IR Leader blasts US president for fueling recent riots in Iran

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with thousands of Iranian people in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on Saturday on the occasion of Eid al-Mab’ath, the anniversary of the appointment of Muhammad (PBUH) as the last and greatest prophet of God.

Honoring the people’s historic participation on January 12, he emphasized: “The Iranian nation broke the back of this plot [completely defeated it], but it is essential to fully comprehend the nature, objectives, and 'trained' and 'manipulated' agents behind it.”

Ayatollah Khamenei described the Mab'ath of the great Prophet of Islam (PBUH) as the day of the Quran’s birth, humanity’s awakening to the divine plan for nurturing the perfect human, the commencement of Islamic civilization, and the day when the banner of justice, fraternity, and equality was raised.

The Leader expounded on the nature and instruments of the recent unrest in Iran and the duties of Iranians in the face of plots.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the president of the United States is deemed to be criminal for inflicting damage and casualties on and making accusations against the Iranian nation.

“Since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, the US has tried to restore its previous dominance in Iran,” he added, noting that the US throughout all these years during different administrations has been unwilling to tolerate an independent country like Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei further noted that, during the previous seditions, Washington brought to the scene its media figures, while this time, the US president decided to get in himself tp instigate the seditionists (rioters).

Explaining the principal objective of the Americans in their various plots, he stated: “The enduring goal and policy of the US—not only of its current president—is to devour Iran and restore its military, political, and economic dominance over our country; because a nation of this expanse, population, capabilities, and scientific and technological advancements, located in such an important geographical location, is intolerable to them.”

The Leader further stressed the necessity of keeping united in defense of the Islamic Republic and the dear country of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei further pointed out that Iran does not seek war, while the people of the country will not let internal criminals go with their crimes.

He stated that many of today’s societies, particularly Western ones, are mired in the same deep moral corruption, injustice, oppression, and arrogance, and emphasized: “Islam and faithful, devout Muslims can steer today’s world away from the slope of descent into the abyss of ruin and corruption toward the peaks of righteousness, salvation, and honor, from the direction of hell toward paradise—provided they act with deep and widespread faith.”

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the level of intervention by Western officials in previous seditions and unrests was usually limited to media elements and second-tier politicians, adding: “However, the distinctive feature of this recent sedition [and plot] was that the US President personally intervened in it, spoke, made threats, and by encouraging the rioters, sent them the message to move forward, to not be afraid, and that they [the US] would provide them with military support.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the statements of the US President—who referred to the destructive rioters and murderers as the Iranian nation—as a great slander against the people, stating: “The US President openly encouraged the rioters, and behind the scenes, the US and the Zionist regime provided them with assistance; therefore, we consider the US President a criminal, both for the casualties and damage, and for the slander he leveled against the Iranian nation.”

In explaining the nature of the field agents involved in the sedition, the Leader stated: “The active agents on the scene fell into two categories. The first category were those meticulously selected by the intelligence agencies of the US and the Zionist regime, who, in addition to receiving substantial funds, were given specialized training. A significant number of these evil and criminal elements have been apprehended thanks to the effective work of our law enforcement and security forces.”

The Leader identified the second category of field agents as teenagers and youths influenced by the first group, adding: “This group had no connection to the Zionist regime or its intelligence services; they were rather naive individuals whom the ringleaders manipulated. By inciting agitation, they were led into committing mischief.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution continued: “These were the foot soldiers, and their mission was to attack homes, offices, and industrial centers. Unfortunately, 'ignorant and unaware agents,' under the leadership of 'malicious and trained agents,' carried out many evil deeds and major crimes, including the destruction of 250 mosques, the ruin of over 250 educational and scientific centers, and damage to power industry facilities, banks, medical complexes, and grocery stores. By harming the people, they killed several thousand of them [the people].”

Referring to inhuman and brutal acts such as trapping and burning alive a number of youths in a mosque, or killing a three-year-old girl and defenseless, innocent men and women, the Leader underscored: “These actions were part of the sedition's pre-prepared blueprint. They were equipped with cold weapons, as well as firearms that had been smuggled into the country from abroad and distributed among the seditionist elements to carry out such atrocities.”

Ayatollah Khamenei, emphasizing that the Iranian nation broke the back of the sedition and riot, stated: “With its million-strong participation on January 12, the Iranian nation turned this day into a historic one in the book of its abundant honors and, by landing a powerful blow on the mouths of the boastful claimants, extinguished the sedition.”

He described the defeat of the US at the hands of the Iranian nation in the recent sedition as a continuation of the defeat of the US and the Zionist in the 12-Day War, stating: “They launched this sedition with extensive preparations for larger actions, but of course, the nation extinguished the sedition. This, however, is not sufficient, and the US must be held accountable for its actions.”

Ayatollah Khamenei directed the relevant state bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to pursue the recent crimes of the US, noting: “We will not lead the country into war, but we will not let go of the domestic criminals and—more importantly—the international criminals. This matter must be pursued using our own methods and the correct approach.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized: “With divine grace, just as the Iranian nation broke the back of the sedition, it must also break the back of the seditionists [instigators of the sedition].”

In conclusion of his speech, alluding to the constant self-sacrifice and dedication of the officials and the law enforcement, security, IRGC, and Basij forces in the victorious battle against the American-Zionist sedition, he added: “All the country's officials cooperated, and the nation settled the matter decisively and, through its unity, conclusively ended it.”

The Leader, referring to the people's economic and living conditions, stressed the need for greater effort from officials, stating: “The economic situation is not good, and the people's livelihood is truly difficult. Government officials must work with greater intensity—doubling their usual efforts—in some sectors, such as 'supplying essential goods and livestock inputs' and providing the people's needed commodities, for if the people and officials properly fulfill their duties, the Almighty will surely bless this endeavor.”

Ayatollah Khamenei, reiterating his constant advice regarding preserving unity among the nation, stated: “Factional and political disputes must not spread among the people. Everyone must stand together, side by side, as one, in defending the Islamic system and beloved Iran.”