Turkey Reveals Underlying Causes Behind Iran Protests

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the situation during a televised statement on Saturday, suggesting that the current movement is unlikely to result in the collapse of the Iranian government. Fidan noted that the scale of the current mobilization is smaller compared to the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.

Economic Toll and Regional Policy
However, several analysts have contested Fidan’s assessment, arguing that the involvement of the younger generation makes this the most significant unrest Iran has faced since 1999. Fidan acknowledged that Iran is currently "paying the price" for its ambitious regional and global policies pursued over the last three decades.

These policies have drawn severe Western sanctions, which have crippled the Iranian economy. The Foreign Minister highlighted that the direct impact of this economic strain—manifested through record inflation and high unemployment—is being felt most acutely by the youth, whom he described as the "catalysts" of the movement. He emphasized that these protesters are sending a clear message that the Iranian leadership must acknowledge.

Foreign Interference and Intelligence Warfare
In a significant diplomatic claim, the Foreign Minister pointed toward external influence as a factor in the domestic turmoil. Fidan alleged that Israel is exerting influence to create instability against the Iranian government. Specifically, he stated that the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, is actively utilizing social media platforms to incite the Iranian public and encourage anti-government sentiment.

While Turkey remains wary of its neighbor's domestic policies, Ankara’s primary concern continues to be the prevention of a power vacuum that could destabilize the shared border and the broader regional landscape.