Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken a defiant stance against US President Donald Trump, acknowledging the widespread unrest in Iran but downplaying its significance. The protests, which have been documented in dramatic videos spreading across social media, are being dismissed by Khamenei as "a handful of vandals" who caused damage to buildings.
Khamenei warned protesters that the crackdown will continue and that they should be aware that the regime's power is not based on foreign backing but on the "blood of several hundred thousand honorable people". He also stated that Trump's attempts to provoke the regime through threats of attack would ultimately lead to his own downfall.
The situation in Iran has been escalating following a 12-day war with Israel, which was joined by the US. The conflict has left Iran's economy severely strained, leading to widespread discontent among the population. Khamenei's response suggests that he is attempting to deflect attention from the economic crisis and maintain his regime's grip on power.
Trump has been openly critical of Khamenei and his government, with the US President vowing to take action if the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate. The tensions between the two leaders have raised concerns about the potential for military conflict, although it remains unclear what actions Trump would take if he were to launch an attack.
The crisis in Iran has highlighted the deep-seated divisions within the country and the growing unease among its population. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Khamenei's regime faces significant challenges at home and abroad, and it remains to be seen how it will respond to the escalating tensions.
Khamenei warned protesters that the crackdown will continue and that they should be aware that the regime's power is not based on foreign backing but on the "blood of several hundred thousand honorable people". He also stated that Trump's attempts to provoke the regime through threats of attack would ultimately lead to his own downfall.
The situation in Iran has been escalating following a 12-day war with Israel, which was joined by the US. The conflict has left Iran's economy severely strained, leading to widespread discontent among the population. Khamenei's response suggests that he is attempting to deflect attention from the economic crisis and maintain his regime's grip on power.
Trump has been openly critical of Khamenei and his government, with the US President vowing to take action if the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate. The tensions between the two leaders have raised concerns about the potential for military conflict, although it remains unclear what actions Trump would take if he were to launch an attack.
The crisis in Iran has highlighted the deep-seated divisions within the country and the growing unease among its population. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Khamenei's regime faces significant challenges at home and abroad, and it remains to be seen how it will respond to the escalating tensions.