Iranian President Masoud Pezizian said on Monday that leaders of the United States, Israel and Europe had exploited Iran's economic problems, fomented unrest and provided people with the means to "destroy the nation" during recent protests, Reuters reported.
Two weeks of protests across Iran, which began in late December over an economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and the cost of living, have subsided after a bloody crackdown by religious authorities. The US-based human rights group HRANA says at least 6.563 people have been killed, including 6.170 protesters and 214 members of the security forces.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN Turk that 3.100 people were killed, including 2.000 members of the security forces.
Pezeshkian said in a live broadcast on state television that leaders from the US, Israel and Europe had tried to "provoke, create divisions and provide resources, drawing some innocent people into this movement."
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for the protesters, saying the US is prepared to take action if Iran continues to kill protesters. US officials said on Friday that Trump is considering options but has not yet decided whether to attack Iran.
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Israeli news portal Inet reported on Friday that a US Navy destroyer had docked in the Israeli port of Eilat.
Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Europeans "have been riding on our problems, provoking and trying and still trying to break up society," Pezeshkian said.
"They took them out onto the streets and wanted, as they themselves said, to tear this country apart, to sow conflict and hatred among the people and create divisions," he added.
"It's clear to everyone that this wasn't just social discontent," Pezeshkiyan said.
Regional allies, including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have been involved in diplomatic efforts to prevent a military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The US is demanding that Iran limit its missile program in order for the two countries to resume talks, but Iran has rejected the demand.
Foreign Minister Aragçi said in Turkey on Tuesday that missiles will never be the subject of any negotiations.
Responding to US threats of military action, Araghchi said that Tehran is ready for both negotiations and war, and is ready to cooperate with countries in the region to promote stability and peace.
"Regime change is a complete fantasy. Some have fallen for this illusion. Our system is so deeply rooted and so firmly established that the comings and goings of individuals make no difference," Aragçi told CNN Turk.
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