Last weekend (Jan 17), Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that the country has “once again” defeated US- and Israel-backed sedition, saying the unrest has been “extinguished.” 🔥✊
Speaking during an address marking a religious holiday, Khamenei accused the United States of planning the unrest to "swallow up Iran". He described US President Donald Trump as a "criminal" responsible for the killings and destruction during the recent riots, saying Trump personally intervened, commented publicly and encouraged the rioters by promising military support.
While stressing that Iran does not seek war, the supreme leader warned it "will not refrain from punishing those responsible for the unrest, both inside the country and abroad."
The protests, which began in late December 2025 over economic grievances, turned violent before authorities said "vandals" hijacked the peaceful movement. According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, security forces have detained about 3,000 people in connection with the unrest.
Amid easing tensions, short message services were restored on Saturday, and schools are set to reopen on Sunday, Jan 18, after a one-week closure. 📱🏫
Also on Saturday, Lebanon’s Hezbollah voiced firm support for Iran. In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem called Iran a "stronghold of resistance" and accused the United States of seeking global domination.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it called "meddlesome" remarks by the Group of Seven members about the recent unrest, urging the G7 to stop interfering in Iran’s internal affairs. 🌐
This weekend’s developments mark a turning point after weeks of tension, with Iran signaling both resilience at home and solidarity from regional allies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
