Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded to Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed shah, who had previously called on protesters to seize power in the Islamic Republic by force.

“Internal issues of any country concern only that country, and no one has the right to interfere or dictate its internal affairs,” Araghchi said, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s deposed shah, posted another video on social media calling on Iranians to take action. In the message, he urged a nationwide strike, aiming to seize and hold strategic streets and facilities. Previously, he had called on US President Donald Trump to intervene in Iran.

Iran saw its largest protests in recent weeks, sparked by Pahlavi’s calls. Supporters of the current government later took to the streets in response.

The demonstrations, which began in late December 2025 over the devaluation of the Iranian rial, initially focused on sharp currency fluctuations and their impact on wholesale and retail prices. Over time, however, protests in several cities escalated into clashes with police, with slogans taking on a political tone against the current regime. Reports indicate casualties among both security forces and protesters.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the unrest in the Islamic Republic.