Has Iran's Supreme Leader Declared Victory Over US-Backed Sedition?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khamenei asserts victory over US-backed unrest.
- Claims of 3,000 detentions related to recent riots.
- Schools reopening signals a return to normalcy.
- Continued support from Hezbollah for Iran.
- Iran condemns foreign interference in its affairs.
Tehran, Jan 18 (NationPress) Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei proclaimed that the nation has triumphed over the United States and Israel "once again" and has successfully "extinguished the sedition" orchestrated by Washington and Tel Aviv. In an address commemorating a religious holiday on Saturday, Khamenei accused the United States of orchestrating the unrest with the intent of "swallowing up Iran."
He labeled US President Donald Trump a "criminal" responsible for the violence and devastation witnessed during the recent riots, asserting that Trump directly intervened, spoke publicly, and incited the rioters by promising military support, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Khamenei asserted that while Iran does not seek conflict, it will not hesitate to punish those accountable for the unrest, whether they are located within or outside the country.
His statements followed a period of domestic protests that had seemingly calmed after weeks of nationwide demonstrations beginning in late December, initially sparked by economic issues but later escalating into violence.
Iranian officials indicated that the peaceful protests were usurped by "vandals," with the semi-official Tasnim news agency reporting that approximately 3,000 individuals had been detained in connection with the unrest.
As tensions eased, short message services in Iran were reinstated on Saturday, and schools are set to reopen on Sunday after a brief closure, as reported by Iranian media.
Additionally, on Saturday, Lebanon's Hezbollah expressed strong support for Iran. In a televised address on the Hezbollah-controlled al-Manar channel, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem referred to Iran as a "stronghold of resistance" and accused the United States of pursuing global domination.
Iran's Foreign Ministry released a statement on Friday night condemning what it termed "meddlesome" comments from the Group of Seven nations regarding the recent unrest, urging the group to cease interference in Iran's domestic matters.