Iran’s Supreme Leader Praises Nationwide Demonstrations, Says Public Unity Thwarted Foreign Plots

Iran’s Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has commended mass nationwide rallies held in support of the Islamic Republic, describing them as a historic display of unity that thwarted what he called foreign-backed attempts to destabilize the country.

In a message addressed to the Iranian nation on Monday, Ayatollah Khamenei said the large public turnout across the country demonstrated the people’s resolve and foiled plans by foreign adversaries seeking to incite unrest through domestic proxies.

“The noble Iranian nation accomplished a great task and marked a historic day,” the message stated. “These massive gatherings, marked by determination and awareness, neutralized the enemies’ plot that was meant to be carried out by mercenaries inside the country.”

The Leader said the demonstrations sent a clear message to Iran’s adversaries, warning US officials to abandon what he described as deceptive policies and reliance on “treacherous agents.” He added that the rallies reflected the Iranian people’s strength, vigilance, and readiness to defend national stability during times of crisis.

Iranians from diverse social and professional backgrounds took part in the rallies, which were held in most provinces, including the capital Tehran. In many cities, demonstrations began at 2:00 p.m. local time and continued for several hours, while in others they started earlier in the morning.

Government officials characterized the rallies as clear evidence of national unity and solidarity against what they described as coordinated efforts by hostile actors to sow chaos through violence and sabotage.

While acknowledging that peaceful protests over economic concerns had taken place in some cities last month, authorities said those demonstrations were later diverted toward unrest following public statements by US and Israeli officials. Iranian officials also accused foreign-linked Persian-language media outlets of encouraging vandalism and disorder.

Iranian authorities have reiterated that economic grievances raised by citizens are legitimate and have pledged to address them, while blaming unilateral US sanctions—particularly those targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports—for worsening economic pressures.

Security and judicial officials reported that several armed groups were dismantled during the unrest and that a number of foreign-linked operatives, including individuals accused of ties to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, were arrested.

Ayatollah Khamenei previously stated that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate acts of vandalism or violence carried out on behalf of foreign powers. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this stance in a televised interview on Sunday, emphasizing that peaceful protest is distinct from rioting and should not be exploited to undermine public security.