Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the country had once again defeated the United States and Israel and had quelled what he described as foreign-incited unrest, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating recent protests to weaken Iran. Speaking during a religious holiday address, he labeled U.S. President Donald Trump a “criminal” for encouraging the violence and said Iran would punish those responsible, while insisting Tehran does not seek war. The remarks came as nationwide protests that began in late December over economic issues appeared to subside, with authorities reporting about 3,000 detentions. As tensions eased, messaging services were restored and schools were set to reopen. Hezbollah expressed support for Iran, while Tehran also condemned G7 statements on the unrest as interference in its internal affairs.
Credit : CGTN