Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Friday that the government would not back down in the face of widespread protests that have swept the nation in recent weeks. The statement came as the country's leadership signaled a potential escalation in its crackdown on demonstrators.
Khamenei, in a televised speech in Tehran, accused protesters of vandalism and acting to appease President Trump. "There are people whose job is only about destruction," he said.
Hours later, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement indicating that "saboteurs" would face severe consequences, signaling a hardening stance against the ongoing unrest. This was one of several official statements on Friday that suggested the government was prepared to intensify its response to the uprisings.
Tehran's public prosecutor, Ali Salehi, stated that individuals involved in sabotage, vandalism, or clashes with security forces could face the death penalty by hanging. His comments, carried by Iran's state broadcaster, emphasized the government's resolve. "We will not compromise with armed terrorists," Salehi said.
The protests, which began in late December, initially focused on economic grievances but have since broadened to include demands for political change and the ouster of the government. The government responded to the growing unrest by implementing a near-total internet blackout on Thursday, hindering communication and the flow of information.
The protests and the government's response have drawn international attention, with President Trump pledging to support the protesters if they faced lethal force.
The current wave of protests is among the most significant challenges to the Iranian government since the Green Movement demonstrations in 2009. Those protests followed a disputed presidential election and were met with a harsh government crackdown. The current protests differ in their geographic scope and the breadth of grievances expressed.
The government's response to the protests has been condemned by human rights organizations, which have expressed concern over the use of force against demonstrators and the restrictions on internet access. The government maintains that it is acting to maintain order and protect national security. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation.
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