Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called on US President Donald Trump to “focus on the problems of his own country,” as anti-government protests continue to sweep cities across Iran.
Speaking in a televised address on Friday, Khamenei condemned agitators who he said were attempting to “please the American president by destroying public property.”
He warned that the Islamic Republic would not yield to external pressure or internal unrest, asserting, “A united Iranian people will defeat all enemies.”
Khamenei emphasized the sacrifices that brought the Islamic Republic to power, stating, “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of noble human beings,” and added that the government “will not back down in the face of those who are looking to destroy us.”
The remarks came a day after Trump reiterated his threat of military action against Iran if security forces were to harm protesters.
The situation highlights escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, even as demonstrations continue across multiple Iranian cities.