Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in his first public remarks following the outbreak of a new wave of economic protests across the country, spoke at an event marking the sixth anniversary of the death of Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Kabul 24: He emphasized the distinction between legitimate protest and rioting, stating: “Protest is justified, but protest is different from rioting. We talk to protesters, and officials should engage in dialogue with protesters, but talking to rioters is futile; rioters must be put in their place.”These comments come as protests, now in their seventh day, initially sparked by merchants and bazaar traders in Tehran in response to the sharp devaluation of the rial, skyrocketing inflation, and economic instability, have rapidly spread to other cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Qom, and Arak.
Demonstrators have chanted slogans such as “Death to the Dictator,” “Death to Khamenei,” and expressions of support for Reza Pahlavi, quickly taking on a political dimension.Khamenei defended the bazaar merchants, saying: “The bazaar and merchant class are among the most loyal segments of society to the Islamic system and the Islamic Revolution.
We know the bazaar well, and one cannot confront the Islamic Republic and the system in the name of the bazaar.” He described the merchants’ grievances over economic instability as “valid,” but added: “It is absolutely unacceptable for certain groups to hide behind faithful merchants with the intent to destroy and destabilize the country, exploiting their protests to create riots.
The enemy exploits every opportunity and does not rest.”The Supreme Leader attributed economic problems to “the enemy” and stressed that while officials are present on the ground, the key to victory lies in the nation’s readiness, strengthened faith, sincerity, and action, citing Qasem Soleimani as a model for confronting challenges.
The protests, which began in late December 2025, represent one of the most widespread waves of discontent in recent years.
Reports indicate several protesters have been killed, with security forces using tear gas and live fire.
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government has acknowledged the right to peaceful protest, but security forces under the Leader’s control continue suppression efforts. Experts believe these protests stem from deep economic crises and could pose a serious challenge to the regime.
