Irans Khamenei calls for swift action against protesters

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that authorities should engage with protesters, rather than rioters, amid ongoing demonstrations in the country. The comments came on Saturday, following a week of protests that have resulted in at least 10 deaths and widespread violence.

Khamenei emphasized the need to address concerns raised by protesters, who are primarily upset about the economic situation in Iran. However, he also reiterated his stance that rioters should not be engaged with, as they pose a threat to public order.

Iran’s United Nations Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani has condemned “unlawful threats” made by US President Donald Trump towards Tehran, urging the UN secretary-general and Security Council to take action. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has also expressed concerns about US interference in the region.

The protests have grown in size and intensity since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. While the current demonstrations are not as widespread as those surrounding Amini’s death, they have still resulted in significant violence and arrests.

Iranian officials have accused foreign powers, including Israel and the US, of inciting the protests without providing evidence. Khamenei has also blamed “the enemy” for Iran’s economic woes, stating that a group of people incited by external forces are behind the chants against Islam and the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian government has attempted to signal its willingness to negotiate with protesters, but President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the limitations of his ability to address the economic crisis. The protests have seen clashes in multiple cities, resulting in several deaths and dozens of arrests.

In a separate statement, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s commitment to leaving the region, stating that “America must and will leave this region.”

Source: Al Jazeera