Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has issued a statement regarding the recent ongoing protests and merchants' demonstrations in the country and commented on the events taking place.
This was reported by the "Azad Iran" Telegram channel.
He stated that entrepreneurs and merchants are dissatisfied with the economic situation in the country and called their economic demands justified.
Khamenei noted that sharp fluctuations in the currency market, the depreciation of the national currency, and an unstable economic environment hinder the activities of merchants. According to him, official authorities are aware of this situation and the country's leadership is trying to solve this problem. At the same time, he linked the crisis not to natural processes but to foreign interference and pressure.
The Supreme Leader distinguished between legitimate protests and riots and emphasized that protests are legal (legitimate), but turning the demonstrations into slogans against the government is unacceptable. He stated that some groups are trying to use the protests to create chaos. Khamenei said that security measures will continue.
Also, Khamenei said that the problems of the protesters should be resolved through dialogue, but a tough stance will remain against those who disrupt order. He also emphasized that Iran will not bow to foreign pressure.
It should be noted that the recent protests held in various cities across the country are mainly connected to the economic crisis, the rise in currency rates, deteriorating business conditions, and social dissatisfaction. The main demands of the protesters are the improvement of living conditions and economic stability.