Iran’s Khamenei Responds to Nationwide Protests

The ruling Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran expressed strong disapproval on Saturday regarding widespread demonstrations against the political and economic corruption of his regime.

“Many agitated individuals, acting as enemy mercenaries, were positioned behind merchants in the bazaar, yelling anti-Islamic and anti-regime slogans,” the 86-year-old Khamenei stated in his first public address since unrest began a week ago. He remarked, “Protests are legitimate, but there’s a distinction between protests and riots. Authorities should engage with protesters, but not with rioters. The rioters need to be dealt with.”

Khamenei’s characterization of democracy proponents as “rioters” arrived shortly after President Trump released a notably supportive message for the demonstrators on Friday. Trump wrote on social media, “If Iran reacts violently towards peaceful protesters, which is their pattern, the United States will respond. We are prepared and ready.”

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an organization opposing Khamenei’s regime, reported that security forces fired upon demonstrators again. Young activists gathered in Malekshahi, Ilam province, where shots were fired, leading to injuries.

As of Saturday, at least 10 people had been killed by the regime. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency noted that protests occurred in over 100 locations across 22 provinces. The NCRI claimed that 30 individuals in Malekshahi were shot and remain critically injured.

Additionally, opposition groups reported protests in Kazerun’s Shohada Square, where security personnel shot at demonstrators. In Shiraz’s Gholshan district, anti-regime protesters set tires ablaze and obstructed roads.

Students at Shahrood University of Technology shouted, “Students will die, but humiliation is not an option,” while those at Alame University in Tehran declared, “Death to the dictator.”

NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi reacted to Khamenei on Saturday: “Khamenei must realize that threats and repression will not quell the uprising. A nation determined to claim democracy will not retreat.”

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, also addressed Khamenei, warning against underestimating the national uprising. He urged military and law enforcement to not align themselves with the regime but to stand with the people, emphasizing that their purpose should be to protect rather than oppress their nation.