Khamenei Warns Trump as Nationwide Protests Escalate in Iran

Tehran, Iran:  Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to focus on his own country amid ongoing unrest in Iran. He also cautioned protesters that anyone acting as a “mercenary” for foreign powers within the country will not be tolerated.

The protests began on 27 December at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over rising inflation and soaring prices and have since spread across the country. Initially focused on economic grievances, the demonstrations are increasingly being framed as calls for government change, putting pressure on security forces tasked with maintaining order.

Following the start of the protests, Trump warned that if Iranian authorities used lethal force against protesters, the U.S. would respond with “severe measures.” In response, Khamenei stated on Friday, 9 January, “Focus on your own country. Protesters are destroying their own path to please another country’s president.”

Khamenei also issued a historical warning, suggesting that, much like the 1979 overthrow of Iran’s monarchy, Trump could face political consequences if he continued to interfere.

Iran is currently grappling with a serious economic crisis, exacerbated by the reimposition of international sanctions over its nuclear program since September.

Amid the unrest, Iranian officials have sent mixed messages. President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for maximum restraint in handling the protests, while Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i has labeled some demonstrators as agents of the United States and Israel.

The situation remains tense, with authorities maintaining heightened security and closely monitoring the ongoing demonstrations across the country.