Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, commented on the recent protests taking place in Tehran and several other provinces, stating that the demonstrators’ “economic” demands are legitimate.
During a meeting with families of martyrs, Khamenei said, “We will engage in dialogue with the protesters, but there is no point in talking to the elements inciting riots—they must be stopped in their tracks.”
He added, “These are instigators and mercenaries affiliated with the enemy. They stood behind the merchants and chanted slogans against Islam and against Iran.”
Iranian police have reported that the protests are expanding and becoming more violent, warning of a potential “armed uprising,” according to Fars News Agency.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened in a post on his platform, “Truth Social,” that there could be a “possible military intervention if Iranian authorities resort to violent suppression of the protesters,” as he put it.
