Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday praised pro-government rallies called by authorities in response to ongoing protests. According to Khamenei, participation in the rallies is a warning to the United States. TASR informs about it based on the AFP report.
“It was a warning to American politicians to stop their lies and not rely on treacherous mercenaries,” Khamenei said, according to state television. His comments came after US President Donald Trump repeatedly warned of a “tough crackdown” on the country if Tehran did not stop killing protesters. “These vast gatherings full of determination thwarted the plan of the foreign enemies to be carried out by the native mercenaries,” the Iranian leader added.
The US president is considering airstrikes against Iran to stop the deaths of protesters, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. “Air strikes are one of many options being considered,” she declared, but emphasized that a diplomatic solution is still a priority.
“What the Iranian regime is saying publicly is somewhat different than what the government is getting privately, and I think the president is interested in exploring those possibilities,” added Leavitt. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that despite the absence of diplomatic relations, the communication channel between the two countries is open.
French embassy staff have since left Iran, two sources familiar with the situation told AFP. Only employees who are key to its functioning remained on site. The embassy in Tehran usually has around 30 foreign staff and several dozen local staff.
The Norwegian NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) stated that security forces have already killed at least 648 demonstrators during the protests. However, she warned that the actual number of victims could be even higher.
Riots broke out in Iran on December 28 after traders in Tehran staged a protest against rising prices and the collapse of the rialwhich prompted similar actions in other cities. The demonstrations represent a new challenge for the Iranian government amid a deep economic crisis.
