Iran’s supreme leader emphasized the need to control “rioters” following a week of protests that have rocked the country. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks, the first since the demonstrations began due to Iran’s struggling economy, come amid escalating violence that has led to the deaths of at least 10 individuals. The unrest persists despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning to Iran about potential repercussions if the government uses force against peaceful protesters.
Khamenei addressed the issue during a speech in Tehran, attempting to differentiate between legitimate protesters and what he termed as “rioters.” He accused foreign entities, such as the U.S. and Israel, of fueling the demonstrations and blamed them for the depreciation of Iran’s currency.
The protests, which mark the most significant unrest in Iran since 2022, initially erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini’s detention, sparked by her refusal to wear a hijab, triggered nationwide outrage. While the demonstrations have not reached the same scale as those following Amini’s death, they continue to spread across the country.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including the Basij force, have a history of forcefully suppressing dissent. The Basij, known for their violent crackdowns on past protests, operate under Khamenei’s authority. The current protests have spread to over 100 locations in 22 provinces, with demonstrators expressing grievances over economic hardships and dissatisfaction with the ruling theocracy.
The situation remains tense, with reports of violent incidents, including grenade explosions in Qom and a fatal attack in Harsin. Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian’s calls for dialogue with protesters, hardline officials advocate for a more aggressive response. International observers suggest that while the protests may continue due to economic challenges, Iran’s security apparatus is likely to quell dissent to maintain control.
As the protests persist, Iran’s attempts to revive its economy post-conflict with Israel and alleviate sanctions through potential nuclear negotiations have faced setbacks. Despite signaling a willingness to engage in talks over its nuclear program, Iran has yet to initiate discussions amid warnings from the U.S. and Israel against nuclear rearmament.