Khamenei warns America and summons ambassadors from 4 European countries in Tehran
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, praised the massive public demonstrations in support of the government and the Islamic Republic, describing them as a decisive response and a strong warning message to the United States and Tehran's enemies. These remarks come amid escalating tensions in the country, with Khamenei asserting that the turnout thwarted foreign plots aimed at destabilizing Iran.
Khamenei's messages to domestic and foreign audiences
In an official statement broadcast on Iranian television, Khamenei asserted that the Iranian people had once again demonstrated their resolve and revolutionary identity in the face of what he termed "enemies." The Supreme Leader stated, "The great Iranian people have displayed their strength and determination in the face of the enemies, and this serves as a warning to American politicians to cease their deception and not to rely on treacherous mercenaries." He added that these massive demonstrations had thwarted conspiracies hatched in secret and implemented by agents within the country, a clear reference to the anti-government protests that had taken place in several Iranian cities.
Political context and counter-mobilization strategy
These developments are part of a strategy employed by the Iranian political system, which relies on mobilizing its supporters (often the Basij militia and conservative segments of society) to counter the narrative of the opposition protests. Historically, whenever Tehran has faced a wave of internal unrest stemming from economic or political causes, the Iranian leadership resorts to demonstrating internal cohesion through massive rallies to reaffirm the regime's popular legitimacy and to send a message to the international community that the situation is under control and that the opposition does not represent the majority.
Diplomatic crisis with Europe
On the diplomatic front, the crisis took on an increasingly international dimension, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoning the ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of four major European countries: Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This summons was intended to express Tehran's strong protest and regret over the positions these countries had adopted in support of the anti-government demonstrators.
During the diplomatic meeting, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials presented European ambassadors with videos and photographs documenting what they described as "organized acts of violence and sabotage" perpetrated by some protesters, asserting that these actions exceeded the bounds of legally guaranteed peaceful demonstration. Tehran demanded that the diplomats convey these images to their respective foreign ministers and retract official statements supporting the protests, deeming any Western political or media support a blatant interference in Iran's internal security affairs.
Repercussions of the situation on international relations
This diplomatic escalation carries profound implications for the future of relations between Iran and the West. While international actors seek to revive negotiations on the nuclear issue or ease sanctions, human rights concerns and internal protests are widening the trust gap. Observers note that the West's insistence on supporting the protesters, viewing it as a defense of freedoms, is met with Iran's insistence on viewing it as part of a "soft war" aimed at regime change. This further complicates the political landscape in the Middle East and exacerbates regional and international polarization.
