Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran "will not be drawn into a war," while emphasizing that authorities will not let "domestic and foreign criminals" go unpunished amid ongoing protests and their political and security consequences.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Khamenei mentioned that several groups were involved in the recent unrest. He claimed that one group received training and funding from foreign intelligence services within and outside Iran, labeling them as "leaders of the riots." Another group, he noted, had "no connection to Israel or its intelligence services" but was composed of "naive teenagers misled by lies who committed disgraceful acts."
Khamenei detailed that the unrest resulted in the destruction of approximately 250 mosques and over 250 educational and scientific centers, alongside damage to the electricity sector, banks, medical complexes, and food stores. State media also reported his assertion that the recent "incitement against Iran" was distinctive because of the personal involvement of the U.S. president, with entities linked to the United States and Israel being behind what he described as the "latest sedition."
On economic matters, Khamenei acknowledged deteriorating living conditions, expressing that Iranians are experiencing "real hardships."