Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Warning: ‘Terrorist Activities and Instability Instigated by Foreigners Will Not Be Tolerated’

International Desk: PNN

Amid ongoing protests in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged the people to “remain united.” In a televised speech on Friday, he labeled the movement “terrorist activity” and warned that the government will not tolerate unrest.

Khamenei claimed that foreign powers are behind the protests. He accused some individuals of taking to the streets to attack government property and public assets to protect U.S. President Donald Trump’s interests. He stated, “Tehran will not spare mercenary forces working for foreigners.” He also accused Trump of causing Iranian bloodshed.

The protests, which began on December 28, have so far resulted in at least dozens of protesters and four security personnel being killed. Initially triggered by economic crisis, rising commodity prices, and significant depreciation of the rial, the protests began among Tehran’s business community and later spread nationwide.

President Masoud Pezeshkian called for restraint and urged authorities to listen to the public’s “reasonable grievances.” However, other parts of the government issued strict warnings, claiming foreign enemies are instigating the unrest.

To control the situation, internet access in Iran has been cut off since Thursday, along with disruptions to telephone communications and temporary suspension of flights. Analysts say the internet blackout aims to hide the protests from the world, facilitating security forces’ crackdown.

Videos circulating on social media show protesters setting fires and chanting anti-government slogans in Tehran and other cities. State media blamed “terrorist agents” of the U.S. and Israel, acknowledging casualties but providing limited details.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would pay a high price if it killed protesters, while also refusing to meet Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former Shah, hinting that Washington has not taken a clear position regarding alternative leadership should the current government fall. Pahlavi has already called for a larger movement, giving new momentum to the protests. Analysts at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted that the government shut down the internet to conceal the protests and facilitate suppression.

Khamenei concluded by saying protesters are destroying their own cities just to please a foreign president—behavior unacceptable for Iran.