With Iranian cities ablaze in protests against inflation and joblessness, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dropped a defiant video via the Tehran Embassy in India on X, mocking US efforts to topple his regime. The footage arrives amid escalating threats from the US side, intensifying a long-simmering feud.
Khamenei boasted, ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran is today powerful, mighty, and flourishing—contrary to their dreams. In 40 years, no stone was left unturned against us: military ops, security threats, economic warfare, cultural incursions, labor manipulations—all backed by scattered opportunists abroad. Yet, they failed utterly.’
He extolled the virtues of Iran’s Islamic system over liberal or monarchical alternatives, attributing national progress in innovation, arts, and diplomacy to its people-centric foundation. Tehran accuses Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating the chaos that ignited on December 28, exacerbated by a free-falling currency and soaring living costs.
To stem the tide of violence, Iran imposed a nationwide internet and phone blackout starting Thursday—now exceeding 60 hours without reprieve. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called out America’s playbook of riot-incitement, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened direct hits on US military bases and vessels should interference occur, posing risks to Israel too.
This latest salvo from Khamenei not only rallies domestic support but also projects strength internationally, as the world braces for potential fallout from this powder keg of protests and provocations.