Khamenei Vows Not to Yield Amid Widespread Protests in Iran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, declared on Friday that the government will stand firm against nationwide protests, which have intensified following nearly two weeks of public unrest fueled by economic hardships and discontent with the regime.
Largest Protests Since 2022-2023
On Thursday evening, demonstrators took to the streets of several Iranian cities, including Tehran, chanting slogans like “death to the dictator” and setting fire to government-affiliated buildings. Reports confirmed large gatherings on Ayatollah Kashani Boulevard in the capital, where crowds expressed fierce opposition to Khamenei’s rule.
Other major urban centers such as Tabriz, Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Isfahan also witnessed significant protests, some involving symbolic acts like torching state television offices and government buildings.
Government Response and Internet Blackout
In response, Iranian authorities have implemented a complete internet shutdown, with monitoring group NetBlocks reporting over 12 hours of nationwide offline status starting late Thursday to curb the spread of protest information. Human rights organizations have accused security forces of using lethal force against demonstrators, alleging dozens have been killed, although recent footage from Tehran showed no visible police intervention.
Khamenei’s Defiant Speech
Addressing his followers in a televised speech, Khamenei condemned the protesters as vandals and saboteurs. He blamed the unrest on external meddling, specifically targeting former US President Donald Trump, whose actions he claims have led to the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during the conflict with Israel.
The Supreme Leader warned that Trump would face a fate similar to Iran’s pre-revolutionary monarchy, which was toppled in 1979. Khamenei further stated:
- The Islamic Republic was founded with the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands and will not retreat in the face of challenges.
- Destruction of government property by protesters is an attempt to please foreign adversaries.
- Enduring slogans like “death to America” highlight resistance against foreign influence.
Reactions and Calls for Continued Protests
Trump responded on Thursday night, endorsing the uprising and warning Iran of severe repercussions if the regime resorted to violence against protesters.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last monarch, who resides in the United States, praised Thursday’s demonstrations for showing the protesters’ strength in forcing security forces to withdraw. In a new video message, he encouraged even larger rallies on Friday to further weaken the regime’s repressive capabilities.
Context and Background
The current wave of protests marks one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s theocratic government since the widespread unrest of 2022-2023 triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody, an event that ignited nationwide demands for reform and justice.
Economic difficulties, including rising living costs, continue to fuel public anger, leading to sustained demonstrations despite government crackdowns.
