The protests began on December 28 in the Tehran market due to fluctuations in the national currency and economic problems due to the Iranian government's decision on the national currency, Iranian ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami told a press conference Wednesday.

"The Iranian government has stated that the population has the right to protest and express its dissatisfaction, which is enshrined in the constitution [of Iran]. At the same time, the Iranian government is also obliged to ensure the security of the public. The unarmed police were given instructions to ensure this security. Everything changed on January 9, when it became clear that the purpose of the ongoing processes is what was done in Syria," noted the Iranian ambassador to Armenia.

He explained that a small group managed to hijack the protests, and this led to clashes and shootings against both police and civilians.

“This was an organized crime involving terrorist groups that were specifically trained to kill people because [US President Donald] Trump had said that if people were killed [in Iran], the United States would intervene. Israeli officials, as well as former US Secretary of State [Mike] Pompeo, have confirmed that [Israeli] Mossad [intelligence agency] agents are on the streets of Iran,” Shirgholami added.

The Iranian ambassador to Armenia stressed that the internet shutdown in Iran was not intended to cut off terrorists’ connection to the outside world.