Musician Roger Waters has publicly defended Iranian security forces, describing them as protectors of civilians and shopkeepers during ongoing nationwide protests, a stance that contrasts sharply with international reports of mass repression.

In a January 16, 2026, interview with Piers Morgan, Waters portrayed demonstrators as “violent mobs” and rejected calls for regime change. His comments came amid growing scrutiny of Iran’s handling of protests, which began in late December 2025 over economic hardships and political dissent.

Waters stated that security personnel are acting to safeguard ordinary citizens, saying they intervene to protect shops and neighborhoods from disruptive elements. “They are keeping people safe,” Waters said, framing the crackdown as a necessary measure to maintain order.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, report that Iranian forces have used live ammunition against protesters, carried out mass arrests, and threatened over 800 executions. The United Nations Security Council and U.S. authorities have condemned these actions as violations of human rights, prompting targeted sanctions against Iranian officials responsible for the repression.

Waters’ statements echo Iranian state media narratives, which depict protesters as violent agitators and security forces as upholding law and stability. His remarks have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that international voices supporting the regime undermine efforts to hold Iran accountable for widespread abuses.

The interview highlights the continuing international debate over Iran’s internal crackdown, with voices like Waters’ sharply diverging from mainstream reports on the scale and severity of the government’s response to public dissent.