Khamenei claims victory over US-backed "sedition" as calm returns to Iran

Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that the nation has successfully quelled a foreign-backed plot, asserting that the Islamic Republic has "once again" defeated efforts by the United States and Israel to destabilize the country. Speaking on Saturday during a religious address, Khamenei described the recent unrest as "sedition" orchestrated by Washington and Tel Aviv with the ultimate goal of "swallowing up Iran."

Khamenei directed sharp criticism at former US President Donald Trump, labeling him a "criminal" whom he holds accountable for the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests. He noted that Trump had openly intervened by offering public encouragement and pledging military support to rioters. While emphasizing that Iran does not seek war, the Supreme Leader warned that the state "will not refrain from punishing those responsible for unrest, both inside the country and abroad."

The leader’s comments come as the weeks-long nationwide demonstrations, which began in late December over economic grievances before turning violent, appear to be subsiding. Authorities maintain that legitimate peaceful protests were hijacked by "vandals." According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, security forces have detained approximately 3,000 individuals linked to the disturbances.

As tensions ease, daily life is returning to normal. Short message services (SMS) were restored across the country on Saturday, and schools are scheduled to reopen on Sunday following a week-long closure.

The geopolitical dimensions of the crisis remain active. On Saturday, Naim Qassem, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, voiced strong support for Tehran in a televised address on the al-Manar channel. Qassem hailed Iran as a "stronghold of resistance" and accused the United States of pursuing a global domination agenda.

Meanwhile, diplomatic friction continues. On Friday night, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement condemning the Group of Seven (G7) nations. The ministry characterized the G7’s recent comments on the unrest as "meddlesome" and urged the bloc to cease interfering in Iran's internal affairs.

(Inputs from IANS)