Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has delivered a sharp dual rebuke, targeting both external and internal forces he deems responsible for the nation's instability. In a significant address, he issued a direct warning to former US President Donald Trump while simultaneously condemning Iranian protesters for actions he claims are damaging their own country.
A Stern Warning to an "Arrogant" Trump
The focal point of Khamenei's international criticism was directed at Donald Trump. The Supreme Leader accused the former American president of displaying arrogance and making irresponsible statements regarding Iran's internal affairs. Khamenei's remarks are seen as a direct response to Trump's recent social media posts, where he expressed support for the protesters in Iran and criticized the Tehran government.
Khamenei emphasized that such foreign interference would not be tolerated and warned that "arrogant" figures like Trump would face consequences for their rhetoric. This exchange highlights the ongoing war of words between the Iranian leadership and US political figures, a tension that has persisted for decades but found new fervor under Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign during his presidency.
Internal Dissent Faces Harsh Condemnation
Turning his attention inward, Ayatollah Khamenei reserved some of his strongest language for the Iranians participating in anti-government demonstrations. He accused the protesters of being misled and of engaging in activities that ultimately harm Iran's national security and interests.
In his view, the protests are not a legitimate expression of grievance but rather a destructive force that plays into the hands of the country's enemies. He stated that those who riot and destroy public property are effectively ruining their own nation, a narrative consistently pushed by the establishment to delegitimize widespread public discontent over economic hardships and social restrictions.
Context of the Ongoing Unrest
The Supreme Leader's comments come against a backdrop of sporadic but persistent unrest within Iran. The protests, which have erupted in various cities, are often fueled by a mix of economic despair, anger over political repression, and demands for greater personal freedoms. The government's standard response has combined internet shutdowns, a heavy security presence, and ideological framing, exactly as seen in Khamenei's latest speech.
By linking domestic protesters with the threats from an "arrogant" foreign adversary like Trump, the leadership aims to paint the unrest as a coordinated attack on Iran's sovereignty rather than an organic domestic movement. This strategy is intended to rally nationalist support and justify a crackdown on dissent.
The date of Khamenei's address was January 9, 2026, marking a clear moment where the regime sought to reinforce its red lines both internationally and domestically. The speech serves as a reminder that the Iranian establishment remains unwavering in its stance against perceived foreign enemies and internal opposition, promising a continued hardline approach in the face of challenges.
