Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday issued fresh remarks aimed at Tehran, declaring Israel’s solidarity with the Iranian people as protests over soaring inflation entered their second week across multiple cities.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel supported what he described as the Iranian public’s aspirations for freedom and justice. “We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice,” he said, according to a statement released by his office.
He added that Iran could be at a turning point, saying it was “very possible that we are standing at a moment when the Iranian people are taking their destiny into their own hands.”
Rights groups estimate that at least 16 people have been killed during a week of clashes between protesters and security forces. Iranian state media have acknowledged deaths and arrests, though figures vary, and Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the numbers.
Netanyahu also addressed Iran’s nuclear programme, saying he discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump during an official visit this week. He said both leaders reaffirmed their position on “zero enrichment” and the removal of 400 kilograms of enriched material from Iran, along with strict international oversight of nuclear sites. Netanyahu said the discussion took place as the demonstrations intensified.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities announced new economic measures aimed at easing public pressure. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said every citizen would receive a monthly allowance equivalent to one million tomans, or about $7, for four months. The credit will be restricted to the purchase of specific goods and is intended to reduce economic strain, she said.
Iran’s police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said security forces had detained a large number of protest organisers, including individuals active online. Clashes have been reported in western Iran, Tehran and the southern province of Baluchistan.
Vice President Mohammadreza Aref acknowledged economic shortcomings but warned that foreign actors were attempting to exploit the unrest, urging young people not to be drawn into what he described as “enemy traps.”
