Iran’s supreme leader emphasized on Saturday the need to quell “rioters” following a series of protests that have unsettled the Islamic Republic, potentially paving the way for security forces to forcefully suppress the unrest.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86, made his first remarks amid the violent clashes stemming from the protests triggered by Iran’s struggling economy, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. The demonstrations, which continue unabated, come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s caution to Iran that the U.S. would intervene if Tehran resorts to violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Although the extent of Trump’s potential involvement remains uncertain, his statements elicited a swift and hostile reaction from officials in the theocratic regime, who threatened to target American troops in the Middle East. Trump’s recent claim about the U.S. military apprehending Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a longstanding ally of Tehran, adds a fresh dimension to the situation.
These protests mark the largest unrest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody triggered widespread demonstrations. While the current protests have yet to reach the scale and intensity of those following Amini’s death over her failure to conform to the authorities’ hijab regulations, they represent a significant challenge to the Iranian government.
Addressing an audience in Tehran via state television, Khamenei sought to distinguish between legitimate grievances of protesting Iranians over the devaluation of the rial and the actions of “rioters” disrupting public order.
“We engage in dialogue with protesters, but there is no merit in engaging with rioters. Rioters must be contained,” Khamenei stated. He also reiterated the regime’s narrative that foreign entities such as the U.S. and Israel are instigating the protests and blamed external forces for the plummeting value of the Iranian currency.
The paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including the volunteer Basij force known for its aggressive crackdowns on past protests, are under the direct command of Khamenei. Hardline officials in Iran are reportedly advocating for a tough response to the ongoing demonstrations, contrasting with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s push for dialogue with protesters to address their grievances.
Historically, such protests in Iran have been met with violent security crackdowns, leading to a high number of casualties. The lack of a cohesive domestic opposition in Iran suggests that the protests are largely spontaneous, with the regime likely to quash dissent while maintaining control over the country.
Recent incidents of violence during the protests, including deaths in Qom and Harsin, underscore the escalating tensions in various regions of Iran. The demonstrations have spread to over 100 locations across 22 provinces, with participants expressing discontent not only over economic hardships but also voicing opposition to the theocratic regime in Tehran.
Despite Iran’s attempts to signal openness to nuclear negotiations by halting uranium enrichment activities, discussions with the West have not materialized. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have cautioned against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, complicating the prospects for diplomatic resolution.
Overall, the protests in Iran continue to pose a significant challenge to the government, with the situation remaining fluid and tensions escalating across the country.
