Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised nationwide rallies in support of the Islamic Republic, saying the mass turnout “made history” and foiled the enemies’ plot to destabilize the country through their domestic agents.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Monday in a message to the Iranian public, following nationwide rallies in which participants condemned foreign‑linked riots and reaffirmed support for the Islamic Republic.
“Noble Iranian nation, today you accomplished a great task and marked a historic day. These massive gatherings, filled with firm resolve, foiled the plot of foreign enemies that was to be carried out by domestic mercenaries,” the message said.
The Leader added that the rallies showed the nation’s “determination and identity” to the enemies and served as a warning to US officials “to end their deceit and stop relying on treacherous mercenaries.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian people as “strong, powerful, and aware,” saying they remain present and vigilant in times of crisis.
Iranians from different walks of life took part in nationwide rallies on Monday to denounce recent foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic.
The rallies in most provinces, including Tehran, began at 2:00 p.m. local time and continued till 5:00 pm local time. However, in some other provinces, the rallies started earlier, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Officials described the nationwide demonstrations as irrefutable evidence of unity and solidarity in the face of the enemy’s plots to sow chaos and division through mercenaries and terrorists.
Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different cities over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures—amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets—encouraged vandalism and disorder.
Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people’s livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.
Security and judicial bodies say they have dismantled several armed cells and arrested foreign‑linked operatives during the unrest, including agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad.
Ayatollah Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic “will not back down against vandals” and will not tolerate those acting as agents of foreign powers.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a TV interview on Sunday, also said the nation should not allow rioters to foment insecurity in the country, stressing that protesting is different from rioting.
