Tehran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the country “will not be dragged into war,” while stressing that authorities will not allow what he described as “local and international instigators” to escape punishment, in reference to recent protests and their political and security repercussions.

Khamenei stated that while Iran seeks to avoid war, it will not tolerate impunity for those he accused of fueling unrest. He claimed that “several groups” were involved in the disturbances, including one allegedly trained and funded by foreign intelligence agencies inside and outside Iran, whom he labeled as “leaders of the riots.”

He added that another group consisted of “naïve teenagers misled by lies who committed disgraceful acts,” distancing them from direct ties to Israel or foreign intelligence.

According to Khamenei, the unrest resulted in the destruction of around 250 mosques and more than 250 educational and scientific centers, alongside damage to electricity infrastructure, banks, medical complexes, and food stores.

In a sharp escalation, Khamenei blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for direct involvement in inciting the protests, calling him a “criminal” responsible for casualties, material damage, and tarnishing the image of the Iranian people. 

He asserted that the latest wave of unrest was “different” due to Trump’s personal role, and accused entities linked to the United States and Israel of orchestrating what he termed “the recent sedition.”
On the economic front, Khamenei acknowledged the country’s hardships, admitting that Iranians are facing “real difficulties” in their daily lives.