Iran is witnessing one of its most serious waves of unrest in years as protests spread across major cities, driven by a collapsing economy and growing public anger. Amid speculation that he might flee the country, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has remained in Tehran and appeared publicly to address the nation, sending a strong message to both protesters and foreign powers.
Khamenei spoke after Friday prayers, rejecting rumors that he had left or planned to leave Iran. His public appearance aimed to project control at a time when demonstrations continued despite heavy restrictions and a near-total communications blackout.
Iran Protest: Khamenei Warns Protesters and Signals Crackdown
In his address, Khamenei made it clear that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate continued protests. He urged young people to remain loyal to the state, saying that unity was the only way to defeat enemies. In a veiled but firm warning, he signaled that security forces would act decisively against demonstrators.
He accused protesters of acting in the interest of Washington, saying they were “ruining their own streets … to please the president of the United States.” He added that Donald Trump should “pay attention to the state of his own country instead.”
Khamenei also lashed out directly at the US president, accusing him of having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians.” State television footage showed supporters chanting “Death to America!”, reinforcing the leadership’s hardline tone.
Where is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Amid Iran’s Nationwide Protests?
Amid intense speculation over his whereabouts, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not left Iran and is still residing in Tehran, according to official statements and state media footage. Rumors suggesting that Iran’s supreme leader could flee the country, possibly to Russia, gained traction as protests spread nationwide and economic pressure mounted.
However, Khamenei appeared publicly on Friday and addressed the nation after prayers, dismissing such claims and asserting control.
His appearance aimed to counter reports of instability at the top of Iran’s leadership and reassure supporters as demonstrations continued despite internet shutdowns and security deployments.
Iran Protest: Trump’s Warning Raises Tensions Further
US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against using violence on peaceful demonstrators, saying America would “come to their rescue” if protesters were harmed. He later doubled down on that warning in an interview, stating that Iran had been told in powerful terms that there would be severe consequences if bloodshed occurred.
While Trump did not spell out specific actions, his remarks added an international dimension to Iran’s internal crisis, prompting sharp responses from Iranian leaders.
Judiciary Vows Harsh Punishment
Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei escalated the rhetoric by declaring that punishment for protesters “will be decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency.” State media has increasingly described demonstrators as “terrorists,” a label often used before forceful crackdowns in the past
This language has raised fears of a violent response similar to previous nationwide protests that ended with mass arrests and casualties.
Iran Protest: Internet Shutdown Fails to Stop Protests
Despite authorities cutting off internet access and international phone calls, protests have continued. Short videos circulating online show crowds gathering around bonfires, chanting slogans against the government, and clashing with security forces in Tehran and other cities.
Officials have alleged that foreign-backed groups are fueling violence, while acknowledging “casualties” without giving details.
Why Iran Is Seeing Fresh Nationwide Unrest
The current unrest is rooted in deep economic pain. After sanctions tightened and the country struggled following a brief but costly conflict, Iran’s currency collapsed, plunging to historic lows. Rising prices, job losses, and shrinking savings pushed many Iranians into the streets.
As protests persist and warnings harden, Iran now faces a critical moment, with its leadership signaling zero tolerance at home while pushing back strongly against pressure from abroad.
