Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning against what he described as “saboteurs” amid ongoing protests in Tehran and several other cities, signalling that the Islamic Republic will not retreat from security measures aimed at containing unrest. His remarks come as demonstrations continue into their second week, drawing international attention and prompting responses from political leaders in the United States and Europe.
In a statement addressing the protests, Ayatollah Khamenei accused a small group of individuals of engaging in vandalism and damaging public property, arguing that such actions were designed to please foreign powers, particularly the United States. He stressed that while protest itself could be legitimate, disorder and destruction could not be tolerated.
“This is not protest; this is sabotage,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying. “The Islamic Republic will not step back from confronting those who seek chaos.”
Second Response Since Protests Began
This marks Ayatollah Khamenei’s second public response since demonstrations erupted in Iran’s capital and spread to other urban centres. In an earlier statement, he had drawn a distinction between peaceful protest and violence, stating that governments should listen to public grievances but should not negotiate with those involved in arson or destruction of property.
Friday’s remarks also included a direct response to comments made by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Tehran’s handling of the protests and warned of potential consequences if violence against demonstrators continues.
Referring to Trump’s statements, Ayatollah Khamenei said the US president should focus on domestic issues rather than commenting on Iran’s internal affairs. He accused Washington of hypocrisy and blamed the United States for decades of hostility toward Iran.
“The United States talks about supporting protesters, yet it has failed to solve its own crises,” he said, adding that American policies had caused suffering and bloodshed for Iranians in the past.
Protests and Casualties
The protests, which began over economic grievances including rising prices and currency depreciation, have evolved into broader expressions of dissatisfaction with governance and restrictions on civil liberties. According to BBC Persian, at least 22 deaths have been confirmed since the demonstrations began, though Iranian authorities have not issued a comprehensive official toll.
Internet disruptions have been reported in several areas, with activists and rights groups accusing authorities of restricting access to limit coordination among protesters and the flow of information. Iranian officials, however, say temporary restrictions are necessary to maintain public order and prevent violence.
President Trump, speaking in an interview with US journalist Hugh Hewitt, said dozens of people had been killed during the protests and warned Tehran against the continued use of force.
“If people continue to be killed, the United States will take tough action,” Trump said, without specifying what measures might be taken. He added that Washington was closely monitoring developments inside Iran.
European Reactions
European leaders have also weighed in on the situation. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the world was once again witnessing what she described as the courage of the Iranian people.
In a message posted on social media, Metsola said calls for dignity, freedom, and the right to self-determination were being heard far beyond Iran’s borders. She urged Iranian authorities to respect fundamental rights and freedoms.
Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed concern over reports of violence by Iranian security forces against what she described as peaceful demonstrators protesting economic conditions, including the declining value of Iran’s currency.
“Iran, as a member of the United Nations, is obligated to uphold and protect human rights,” she said in a statement. She added that for weeks, voices demanding freedom and basic rights had been echoing across Iran.
Iran’s Position
Iranian officials have rejected accusations of widespread repression, maintaining that security forces are responding to acts of violence rather than peaceful protest. State media have emphasized incidents of property damage, arson, and attacks on public buildings, presenting them as evidence that foreign-backed elements are attempting to destabilize the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that the Islamic Republic was founded through immense sacrifice and would not bow to pressure from internal or external forces.
“This system did not come into being easily,” he said. “It will not surrender to those who seek to please foreign powers through destruction.”
Background: A History of Unrest
Iran has experienced periodic waves of protest over the past two decades, often sparked by economic hardship, political grievances, or social restrictions. Demonstrations in 2009, 2017, 2019, and subsequent years have each drawn significant domestic and international attention, with authorities responding through a combination of security measures and limited reforms.
Economic pressure has intensified in recent years due to international sanctions, inflation, unemployment, and currency instability. Analysts say these factors have contributed to growing public frustration, particularly among urban youth.
While Iran’s leadership has repeatedly blamed foreign interference for unrest, critics argue that structural economic and governance challenges lie at the heart of public dissatisfaction.
Uncertain Path Ahead
As protests continue, the situation remains fluid. Security deployments remain visible in major cities, while international calls for restraint and dialogue continue to grow. It remains unclear whether the demonstrations will subside or evolve into a broader political challenge for Iran’s leadership.
For now, Ayatollah Khamenei’s message leaves little doubt about the state’s position: tolerance for protest exists only within strict boundaries, and any actions deemed threatening to public order will be met with force.
The coming days are likely to test both the resilience of protesters and the government’s ability to manage unrest without further escalation, as global attention remains firmly fixed on Iran.