Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sharply criticised ongoing anti-government protests,
branding demonstrators as “saboteurs” and accusing them of attempting to win favour with the United States, particularly former President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a televised address in Tehran, Khamenei dismissed the protests as foreign-backed unrest rather than legitimate public dissent.
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He claimed the demonstrations were part of a broader effort to destabilise the Islamic Republic and undermine Iran’s sovereignty
At the same time, Iran submitted a formal complaint to the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of escalating the situation by encouraging what it described as “violent subversion and widespread vandalism.”
Washington has rejected the accusation, while Trump warned that Iran was facing “serious consequences.”
Now in their 13th day, the protests initially erupted over worsening economic conditions but have since evolved into the most significant wave of unrest Iran has seen in years.
Protesters in several cities have openly called for an end to the Islamic Republic, with some figures advocating the restoration of the monarchy.
Human rights organisations report that at least 48 protesters and 14 members of the security forces have been killed so far.
Other groups place the death toll even higher, including women and children.
Thousands of arrests have also been reported, while authorities have imposed widespread internet restrictions in an effort to contain the unrest.
From Washington, Trump stated that his administration was closely monitoring developments, warning that the US would respond “very hard” if violence against civilians continued.
However, he clarified that American involvement would not include deploying ground troops.
Despite mounting pressure, Khamenei struck a defiant tone, insisting that the Islamic Republic would not retreat.
He warned that Iran would take decisive action against what he described as “destructive elements” threatening national security.
Iranian security institutions echoed this stance, issuing stern warnings against attacks on government and military facilities.
The Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence unit said it would continue operations until it had fully neutralised what it called “hostile plots.”
International concern has continued to grow.
Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany released a joint statement condemning the use of force against protesters and urging Iranian authorities to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, publicly called on Trump to support the Iranian people, urging sustained international pressure as protests persist across the country.
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