Iran Paranoid About 'Whirlpool of Conspiracies' Following Ukraine Revolution

Iranian authorities are on alert for any conspiracy attempts, citing possible attempts by "enemy" countries, that could create upheaval in Iran, similar to that of the Ukrainian revolution.

Iran's government has closely monitored developments in Ukraine and appears to be paranoid about the power wielded by the pro-EU protesters, who ousted Viktor Yanukovich in Ukraine.

"We hope that the recent developments in Ukraine instil vigilance in those naive enough to believe the sedition [2009 public protests] was only an incident," Iranian MP Alireza Salimi told the parliament.

"The developments in that country [Ukraine] demonstrate the scenario that the enemy dreams of for our country. It is wise to be alert so that we do not drown in the whirlpool of conspiracies by the enemy," he added.

The country's foreign ministry spokesperson Marzieh Afkham has also been vocal about the revolution in Ukraine, specifically concerning outside involvement from other countries.

Following Yanukovich's removal, Afkham said: "We believe that Ukraine's fate should be determined by the people's resolve, harmony between the country's political forces, and no foreign interference."

The Iranian media have been called on to curb their enthusiasm in covering the Ukraine protests by Iranian justice minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi.

He said: "We have to be very careful to preserve this atmosphere. What happened in Ukraine, some newspapers put up headlines as if a domestic event took place. An individual says something and it makes it into the top headline."

However, the internet has provided a forum for views against the Iranian establishment to be aired.

Iranian blogger Abgosht writes: "The short and useful answer is that the red line for Ukraine's and Tunisia's [opposition] movement leaders was democracy, while the Iranian ones would maintain the regime's [establishment] framework... their people are not traitors, their police and security forces are good people, ours are thugs. They had preference for national interests and ours for individual interests."

Obviously spooked by the circulation of such comparisons, Iran's authorities have been busy making dismissive comments.

For example, Pourmohammadi told a meeting attended by justice ministry officials: "Countries like Ukraine that have looked to the west, then back to the east, have movements that still look west.

"But our country and our system are not analogous with these countries. Those who think similar developments will happen here should not have such beliefs. It is just an emotional atmosphere. Developments such as these happen in the world, the important issue is that our system [government] should advance," he stressed.