Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Saturday claimed that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, was operating inside Iran as protests over economic hardship spread across multiple cities.

At least 10 people have been killed during the unrest, according to Iranian state media and human rights groups, including two members of the Basij paramilitary force. Iranian authorities have warned demonstrators that economic grievances will not be allowed to escalate into broader instability.

In a series of posts on X, Pompeo said the Iranian leadership was under mounting pressure.

“The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope,” he wrote, referring to unrest in cities including Tehran, Mashhad and Zahedan.

He added, “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”

Pompeo’s comments followed posts earlier this week by a social media account linked to Mossad, which encouraged Iranians to join protests and claimed Israeli agents would participate “in the field.”

Iranian security agencies have repeatedly accused foreign powers of fomenting unrest, describing the protests as externally driven efforts to destabilise the country.

Israel’s intelligence reach inside Iran has drawn increased attention since June, when Mossad was reported to have played a significant role in Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran.

That operation reportedly damaged Iran’s nuclear, missile and air defence capabilities and killed several senior military and intelligence officials.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump warned Iran against violently suppressing protesters, saying Washington would intervene if peaceful demonstrators were killed. Senator Lindsey Graham later echoed the stance, crediting Trump’s economic and military pressure for weakening Tehran.