Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, categorically dismissed reports circulating from unofficial sources regarding the death toll from protests in Iran, stating that only the figures provided by the government should be regarded as reliable.
Activists have indicated that the death toll has surpassed 20,000, in stark contrast to the government's claim, which states the number is approximately 3,000.
During a press briefing with journalists at the Iranian Embassy in Abuja, Raja emphasized, "The vital information we consider is that which is officially acknowledged by the government. The latest figures were released just two days ago. Anyone can assert what they wish."
He highlighted that the Iranian government has reinstated full internet access throughout the nation following a temporary shutdown that had taken place during the protests. This measure, he argued, was necessary to mitigate what he characterized as acts of terrorism and to prevent foreign intervention.
Raja noted that the internet blackout was brief and specifically targeted, motivated purely by national security priorities.
"Thus, the blackout has been lifted," he stated. "I was able to restore internet connectivity from my homeland. The disturbances and certain terrorist activities occurred between January 8 and 10."
He elaborated that the shutdown was aimed at severing online communications between local terrorist groups and their sponsors abroad, claiming that such connections provided critical support and guidance to these groups.
“The rationale was to disrupt the link between domestic terrorist entities and external influences that offered them assistance and directives on their actions and destinations,” he explained.
Raja asserted that the governmental decision contributed positively to stabilizing the national situation, stating, “We observed a reduction in turmoil, leading things back to a semblance of normality,” and noted that the restoration of internet services has been implemented progressively over recent weeks.
He asserted the primacy of security, stating, “The importance of internal security supersedes all other factors. This is non-negotiable. We cannot enter into discussions of compromise on this matter.”
Raja also voiced strong objections to suggestions that the Iranian administration ought to have approached the situation differently, insisting that no nation would give up its sovereignty.
“Every nation would defend its sovereignty, integrity, and security as fiercely as your own country would,” he remarked.
He accused foreign entities, particularly the United States and Israel, of instigating disturbances in Iran, stating, “We face threats from the United States and the Zionist regime,” also mentioning the presence of hostile intelligence operatives active within Iran.
“Without a doubt. They have openly admitted it,” he added, responding to inquiries regarding foreign involvement in the protests.
Despite these challenges, Raja reassured that the situation in Iran is now under control, insisting, “The current state of affairs in Iran is stable and back to normal,” while reiterating the nation’s dedication to peace and regional stability amid ongoing external threats.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!