ALWAGHT- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, stated that legitimate public protests must be addressed, but strong action is necessary against rioters and foreign-affiliated actors attempting to exploit these protests to destabilize the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei spoke on January 3 during a ceremony marking the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH) and the sixth anniversary of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani’s martyrdom. He highlighted the importance of justice and piety as essential qualities for leadership and stressed the need for national unity in confronting the enemies’ “soft war,” which relies on deception, rumors, and infiltration to demoralize society.
Referring to recent protests by Iranian bazaar merchants over the falling value of the national currency, Ayatollah Khamenei affirmed that their concerns were legitimate. However, he warned against outsiders, provoked individuals, or enemy-linked elements exploiting these protests to incite riots, stressing that dialogue is appropriate with genuine protesters but rioters must be dealt with decisively.
The Leader praised the Iranian people’s resilience during the 12-day US-Israeli war in June 2025 and underscored the importance of vigilance against foreign propaganda, rumor-spreading, and attempts to undermine national unity. He emphasized that Iran’s strength, popular support, and reliance on God prevented the enemy from achieving its objectives and will continue to safeguard the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted Iran’s scientific and technological achievements, including satellite launches and advances in aerospace, medicine, nanotechnology, and defense. He commemorated Lt. General Qassem Soleimani, praising his faith, sincerity, and action in defending the revolution, confronting sedition, and fighting terrorism, presenting him as a model of leadership and dedication in contemporary Iran.
