By: Manoah Kikekon
TEHRAN — Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has officially broken his silence on the wave of civil unrest sweeping the nation, dismissing demonstrators as "agitators" intent on pleasing the United States. In a televised address from Tehran on Friday, the 86-year-old leader characterized the widespread protests as a coordinated effort to sabotage the country’s infrastructure to satisfy the administration of American President Donald Trump.
The Supreme Leader’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the Islamic Republic, which has been gripped by daily demonstrations since December 28. Khamenei accused those on the streets of "ruining their own streets" and damaging public property to gain favor with Washington. He remained defiant against foreign pressure, asserting that his government "will not back down" and urging President Trump to focus on domestic American issues rather than Iranian internal affairs.
While the government frames the protests as foreign-led sabotage, the reality on the ground reflects a nation pushed to the brink by a collapsing economy. The Iranian Rial has plummeted to a historic low of 1.4 million rials per dollar, while inflation has soared to a staggering 42%. These conditions have forced a diverse coalition of merchants, university students, and traders into the streets, effectively paralyzing commercial activity in major hubs.
In an attempt to quell the rising tide of anger, government spokeswoman Fatameh Mohajerani recently announced a $7 monthly stipend for citizens. According to state media, the measure is intended to "preserve purchasing power" and ensure "food security." However, critics argue the amount is a pittance compared to the skyrocketing cost of living, and protests have since spread to at least 285 locations across 92 cities.
The human cost of the crackdown continues to mount. According to reports from the **Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)**, at least **42 people have been killed** in the last 12 days. This figure tragically includes five minors and eight members of the security forces. The violence has been accompanied by a strategic internet blackout initiated by the government on Thursday, a move widely seen as an attempt to prevent protesters from organizing and sharing footage of the security response with the outside world.
The geopolitical tension between Tehran and Washington has escalated alongside the domestic protests. President Trump recently warned that the U.S. would "hit" Iran "very hard" if the government continued its lethal crackdown on demonstrators. Khamenei’s Friday speech served as a direct retort, accusing Trump of siding with "harmful individuals" and "rioters."
As the protests enter their second week, the gap between the government's narrative of foreign meddling and the citizens' demands for economic relief appears wider than ever. With 27 provinces now reporting active demonstrations, the Islamic Republic faces its most significant challenge to stability in years.