TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong response to warnings from former US President Donald Trump, declaring that Iran will never bow to its enemies and will not retreat under pressure.
In a public address, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would force its adversaries to “kneel,” stressing that external threats would not weaken the country’s resolve. He acknowledged the country’s economic challenges, including currency depreciation and market instability, saying these factors have negatively affected traders and the business environment.
The Supreme Leader stated that Iranian authorities are aware of the economic situation and are working to resolve it, but emphasized that hostile foreign forces are deliberately fueling currency fluctuations and instability. He said such actions are not natural and must be countered.
Commenting on ongoing protests, Khamenei said peaceful demonstrations are legitimate, but warned against violence and vandalism. He urged authorities to engage with protesters but said those involved in unrest and sabotage should be dealt with firmly.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Donald Trump’s warning that the United States would intervene if Iran used force against protesters. He described the message as irresponsible and dangerous, saying attacks on public property would not be tolerated.
Araghchi added that Iran’s armed forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any violation of the country’s sovereignty. He said Iranians would continue to reject any foreign interference in their internal affairs, as they have in the past.
Protests triggered by inflation and currency volatility have entered their sixth day across Iran. According to official sources, at least nine people have been killed, while 44 individuals have been arrested on charges related to spreading unrest.
Tensions escalated further after Trump warned that the US would “come to the rescue” of peaceful protesters. In response, senior adviser to the Supreme Leader Ali Larijani warned that American interference would destabilize the region, adding that any hand threatening Iran’s security would be “cut off.”
