Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged the legitimacy of ongoing public protests while condemning violent unrest, urging officials to engage with demonstrators but take firm action against rioters.
Speaking during a televised address, Ayatollah Khamenei said that citizens have the right to express their grievances, but warned against acts of violence and vandalism that accompany some demonstrations.
“The protest is justified, but protest is different from rioting,” Khamenei stated. “We talk to the protester; officials must talk to the protester. But talking to a rioter is useless. The rioter must be put in his place.”
His comments come amid renewed protests in several Iranian provinces, including Bushehr and Lorestan, where demonstrators have reportedly clashed with security forces and torn down symbols of the Islamic Republic.
Khamenei’s remarks underline the government’s dual approach of recognizing citizens’ right to peaceful assembly while maintaining a hard line against acts it deems disruptive or violent. Analysts say the statement is aimed at calming public anger without signaling weakness as authorities attempt to restore order across several cities.
