Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared on Saturday that the nation had "defeated" U.S. and Israeli efforts to incite unrest, framing recent protests as foreign-backed "sedition" during a speech marking a religious holiday. Khamenei accused Washington of orchestrating the turmoil to destabilize Iran, specifically targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump for allegedly encouraging violent riots through public statements.
Protests initially sparked by economic grievances in late December 2025 escalated into clashes before subsiding in recent weeks. Iranian authorities reported detaining approximately 3,000 individuals linked to the unrest, which they claim was hijacked by "vandals." With tensions easing, mobile messaging services resumed Saturday, and schools are set to reopen Sunday after a week-long closure.
Lebanon's Hezbollah voiced solidarity with Iran, with Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem praising Tehran as a "stronghold of resistance" against U.S. ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the G7 nations for "meddlesome" remarks about its internal affairs, urging the group to cease interference.
Khamenei emphasized Iran would "not seek war" but vowed accountability for those responsible for the unrest, both domestically and abroad. The remarks underscore Tehran's narrative of resilience against external pressures amid ongoing regional tensions.
