Iran’s supreme leader emphasized the need to control “rioters” as a response to ongoing protests that have unsettled the Islamic Republic. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks came after a series of demonstrations triggered by Iran’s struggling economy resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. The protests, which continue to escalate, were further fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning to Iran about protecting peaceful protestors from violence.
The demonstrations, the largest in Iran since 2022, were initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died while in police custody due to not adhering to the hijab requirement. Despite the unrest, Khamenei attempted to distinguish between legitimate concerns over the economic crisis and what he labeled as “rioters.”
Blaming external forces such as the U.S. and Israel for instigating the protests, Khamenei accused them of manipulating traders and shopkeepers to denounce the government. The situation is further complicated by Trump’s recent claim that the U.S. military had apprehended Venezuela’s President Maduro, a close ally of Iran.
While there are calls for dialogue to address the protesters’ grievances, the hardline faction in Iran advocates for a forceful response. Past crackdowns have seen hundreds killed and thousands detained in efforts to quell dissent. The regime’s ability to suppress opposition remains strong despite the ongoing unrest.
Recent violent incidents, including a grenade explosion in Qom and a fatal attack on a Basij member in Harsin, have added to the escalating tensions. The protests have spread to various provinces, fueled by economic woes and discontent with the ruling theocracy. Iran’s attempts to signal openness to nuclear negotiations have yet to materialize amid continued pressure from the U.S. and Israel.
The repercussions of these protests and the government’s response are expected to have a lasting impact on Iran’s internal stability and international relations.