• Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warns that external forces are fueling domestic unrest to undermine the country.
  • The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing economic pressures from sanctions.
  • Analysts say the rhetoric aims to rally national unity and justify tighter domestic controls.

Ghalibaf Sounds Alarm on Foreign Meddling

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Tuesday accused adversaries of fomenting internal divisions to weaken the Islamic Republic, according to state media. Speaking at a parliamentary session, Ghalibaf said the enemy is “stoking internal divisions” as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the country from within. “We must be vigilant against infiltration and unrest, which are as dangerous as any external pressure,” he stated, calling for national unity.

The comments come as Iran faces a complex landscape of economic strain from Western sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and shifting regional alliances. Ghalibaf’s framing aligns with Tehran’s long-standing narrative that external powers use a combination of economic coercion and soft power to erode regime stability. “They seek to weaken us by dividing us,” he added, without naming specific countries.

Domestic and Regional Context

Iranian officials have repeatedly linked internal stability to economic resilience, particularly as sanctions have squeezed the economy. Ghalibaf’s warning follows recent protests and labor strikes, which authorities have often attributed to foreign meddling. The speaker’s remarks also coincide with heightened tensions in the Middle East, including ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and proxy conflicts in the region.

Observers note that such rhetoric serves to justify security measures and control over dissent. “It’s a familiar pattern,” said one analyst. “When pressure builds, the leadership calls for unity and warns of external plots, which helps consolidate support and suppress opposition.”

Market and Policy Implications

The political messaging could weigh on investor sentiment, as persistent instability deters foreign capital. Iran’s leadership is doubling down on import substitution and domestic production to counter sanctions, but confidence remains fragile. The speech may also signal a hardening stance in diplomatic channels, potentially complicating nuclear talks.

Repeated attempts to reach the speaker’s office for further comment were unsuccessful. This story is developing and may be updated with more details.

(Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of Ghalibaf’s comments. They were made on Tuesday, not Wednesday.)