Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday called for “unity” as mass protests continued across the country, warning that authorities would act firmly against what he described as “terrorist actions.”
In an address broadcast on state television, Khamenei accused protesters of working on behalf of foreign powers, particularly the United States, and said Iran would not tolerate what he called “mercenaries for foreigners” attacking public property.
He directly targeted US President Donald Trump, accusing him of having hands “stained with the blood” of Iranians and of backing unrest inside the country.
Tehran is struggling to contain the protests, which began on December 28 and have since spread nationwide. Dozens of protesters and at least four members of the security forces have been killed in the violence, according to official figures.
While President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged restraint and called on the state to listen to “genuine” public grievances, hardline voices within the establishment have warned that there will be no leniency, arguing that the demonstrations are being supported by Iran’s “foreign foes.”
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