Khamenei Calls for Focus on Domestic Issues as Protests Surge in Iran

In a recent escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged President Donald Trump to focus on domestic challenges, while stressing to the Iranian populace that maintaining national unity is crucial for overcoming adversaries.

In a passionate address, Khamenei asserted that Iran would not compromise its principles or submit to "traitors acting in the interest of foreign powers," labeling the "instigators" as those attempting to appease Trump.

This statement followed President Trump's announcement that the U.S. could deliver a "strong blow" to the Iranian leadership if deemed necessary, highlighting Washington's willingness to support peaceful demonstrators in Iran during an interview with "Fox News."

In response, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, warned that any American intervention in Iran's internal affairs would destabilize the Middle East and jeopardize U.S. interests in the region.

Locally, Iranian state television reported on nighttime protests, confirming casualties due to violence attributed to "terrorist agents" acting on behalf of the U.S. and Israel, who allegedly set fires and vandalized vehicles and public property, including subway and fire service vehicles.

Despite internet outages and international phone call disruptions, demonstrators in Tehran and other cities took to the streets, chanting slogans against the government, while images of destruction and fire circulated on social media.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for restraint in handling the protests, emphasizing the need to avoid violence and engage in dialogue while addressing the public's demands.