Iran’s supreme leader emphasized on Saturday the need to restrain “rioters” following a week of protests that have rocked the Islamic Republic. The comments by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86, signal a possible directive for security forces to quell the demonstrations forcefully.
The protests, triggered by Iran’s struggling economy, have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people amid ongoing unrest. The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that any violent crackdown on peaceful protesters would prompt U.S. intervention.
Khamenei’s remarks, delivered in Tehran, aimed to differentiate between legitimate protesters concerned about economic issues and what he termed as “rioters.” He alleged that external forces, such as the U.S. and Israel, were instigating the unrest without presenting evidence.
The demonstrations in Iran, the largest since 2022, stem from various grievances, including the country’s currency devaluation. Despite attempts by President Masoud Pezeshkian to engage in dialogue with the protesters, hardline officials advocate for a more aggressive response.
The protests have spread to over 100 locations in 22 provinces, with participants voicing discontent not only over economic challenges but also against the ruling theocracy. The Iranian regime faces mounting pressure to address the economic crisis, exacerbated by recent conflicts and sanctions.
As Iran grapples with internal turmoil and external pressures, the future remains uncertain, with the regime’s security apparatus poised to maintain control amid growing dissent.
