Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Iran “will not yield” after US President Donald Trump threatened to support Iranian protesters. At the same time, Khamenei warned that what he called “rioters” must be firmly dealt with, as protests continue across the country over rising prices and inflation.
In a recorded television speech marking a religious holiday, Khamenei addressed the growing unrest, which has spread to more than two dozen cities since last weekend. He tried to separate economic complaints from political opposition.“We will talk to protesters, but talking to rioters is useless,” he said. “Rioters should be put in their place.”
His comments came a day after Trump said the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go” over the situation in Iran, without explaining what action he might take. The warning adds to tensions following US and Israeli strikes last summer on Iran’s nuclear and military targets.
Economic anger acknowledgedWhile rejecting foreign pressure, Khamenei admitted that many protesters had valid economic concerns, especially business owners affected by the sharp fall of Iran’s currency.
“The bazaaris were right,” he said. “They cannot do business in these conditions. Their protests are completely fair.”
He added that Iran’s president and senior officials were working to fix problems caused by sanctions and economic mismanagement.Clashes and arrests reported.
Despite promises of dialogue on economic issues, rights groups say violence and arrests have increased. Protests demanding political change have led to clashes with security forces, leaving at least 10 people dead, according to reports.
Officials said two members of the security forces were killed and more than a dozen injured. The Kurdish rights group Hengaw reported that at least 133 people had been arrested by Friday, a sharp rise from the day before.
State media said more arrests were made in western and central Iran, including people accused of making weapons.From prices to politics.
What began as protests over high prices has now taken on a political tone. The Fars news agency said demonstrators in Karaj burned the Iranian flag and chanted slogans against the country’s leadership.
Videos shared by rights groups showed protesters calling on others to join them. State-linked media also reported deadly incidents in smaller cities involving both protesters and security forces.
Although unrest has been most intense in western regions, Tehran appeared calmer on Saturday due to a public holiday and bad weather, with rain and snow keeping many people indoors.