By Haifa Chairunisa
Iranian authorities say a woman accused of playing a leadership role in recent unrest has admitted to contacting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek support for efforts to destabilize the country.
The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, made the statement during a visit by Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje’i to a Tehran detention facility holding individuals accused of involvement in riots and acts of sabotage. Officials said the woman, described as fluent in seven languages, acknowledged coordinating with administrators of pro-Pahlavi social media networks and reaching out to pro-Israel groups following the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. She reportedly confirmed sending direct messages to Netanyahu.
State media also reported that two other detainees confessed to attacking police stations in what authorities described as attempts to spread chaos and weaken the Islamic Republic. Another man allegedly admitted to firing a single-barrel rifle from his apartment in southern Tehran at law enforcement personnel and civilians.
In addition, three suspects reportedly confessed to dropping concrete blocks on security forces and civilians. Authorities said the group’s female leader claimed they were aware of what she described as foreign anti-Iran agendas and that their actions were aimed at damaging the country.
Mohseni-Eje’i said those found to have direct or indirect links to foreign intelligence services, as well as individuals accused of inciting violence, would face prosecution following a full investigation.
The unrest initially began as limited, peaceful protests by some merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over currency volatility and rising inflation. Officials said the demonstrations remained calm for about a week, during which President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration held talks with protest representatives. Authorities claim the situation escalated after January 8, when organized violence emerged, including attacks on public facilities and clashes that resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians. Iran has accused the United States and Israel of backing the violent acts, allegations rejected by those governments.
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