Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has lashed out at the ongoing anti-government demonstrations, accusing protesters of being vandals acting on behalf of United States President Donald Trump.
In a national television broadcast on Friday, Khamenei issued a stern warning that the regime would not tolerate those he described as “mercenaries for foreigners” intent on destroying public property.
Okay News reports that the unrest, which originated in Tehran’s bazaar on December 28, has been allegedly fueled by deep-seated frustrations over a prolonged economic crisis.
Defending the legitimacy of the government, Khamenei stated, “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. It will not back down in the face of vandals.”
The demonstrations have spread to various cities, including Kermanshah, where citizens have been seen blocking streets.
