Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a stern warning on Friday, asserting that the Islamic Republic would "not back down" in the face of escalating nationwide protests, which he blamed on foreign-backed saboteurs aiming to destabilise the country.
Khamenei's Fiery Speech Targets US and Protesters
In a televised address, the 86-year-old leader directly accused the United States and President Donald Trump of fomenting the unrest. He claimed the "hands of the US President are stained with the blood of more than 1,000 Iranians," referencing US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Khamenei predicted the overthrow of the "arrogant" American leader, drawing a parallel to the Shah's dynasty toppled in 1979.
Addressing the protesters directly, Khamenei alleged they were damaging public property to please foreign powers. "They are ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy," he stated, warning that Iran would not tolerate citizens acting as "mercenaries for foreigners." His speech was met with chants of "Death to America!" from the crowd.
Nationwide Unrest and Communications Blackout
The leader's remarks came as Iran faced its most significant challenge in years, with protests spreading across all provinces. The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over soaring inflation, have now evolved into the largest wave of unrest in three years.
Authorities have responded with a severe nationwide internet blackout, largely cutting the country off from the outside world. Reports indicate failed phone connections, cancelled flights, and intermittent updates from news sites. Despite the blackout, activists managed to share videos online showing protesters chanting around bonfires in Tehran and other cities, with streets littered with debris.
State television broadcast images of burning buses, cars, motorbikes, and fires at metro stations and banks. A reporter from the Caspian Sea port of Rasht described the scene on Shariati Street as looking "like a war zone." Iranian state media blamed the unrest on the exiled opposition group MKO and alleged "terrorist agents" from the US and Israel, acknowledging "casualties" without providing details.
Growing Toll and International Attention
The full scale of the violence remains unclear due to the information blockade. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since the protests began.
Iran's fragmented opposition abroad called for renewed demonstrations on Friday. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Shah, urged people to take to the streets in a social media post, stating, "The eyes of the world are upon you."
In his speech, Khamenei urged his supporters to remain united and vigilant, saying, "Dear young people, keep your readiness and your unity. A united nation will overcome any enemy." The situation presents a critical test for the Iranian leadership as it attempts to quell the dissent while pointing fingers across the globe.
