Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared that the Islamic Republic has “defeated” the United States following the violent protests that shook the country in late 2025 and early 2026. In a series of public statements, Khamenei accused Washington of orchestrating the unrest and vowed that the United States would be held accountable for its alleged role in fomenting sedition inside Iran.

The unrest began in late December, sparked initially by widespread economic grievances. Citizens took to the streets across major cities to protest high inflation, rising costs of essential goods, and persistent economic instability. Over time, however, these demonstrations evolved into broader anti-government protests, reflecting deep-seated frustrations over political repression and governance issues. Reports suggest that hundreds of people were killed during the clashes, including both security personnel and protesters. Authorities also reported significant damage to public infrastructure, including mosques, schools, and healthcare facilities.

According to Khamenei, the unrest was not a spontaneous eruption of domestic anger but a carefully planned campaign by foreign powers. In posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on January 17, the Supreme Leader accused the United States and Israel of masterminding the protests. While he highlighted Israel’s involvement, Khamenei singled out Washington as the principal architect of the “sedition.”

“The US had made extensive preparations to orchestrate this sedition,” Khamenei wrote. “This sedition was a prelude to even bigger schemes. The Iranian nation defeated the US.” In his statements, he also alleged direct involvement by US President Donald Trump, citing Trump’s public messages of support for the protestors and the deployment of American warships to the Middle East as evidence of US interference.

The Supreme Leader’s remarks came after Iranian authorities reported that they had successfully quelled the unrest, restoring calm to Tehran and other major cities. The Interior Ministry confirmed that security forces had regained control, with demonstrations largely dissipated and public order reestablished. Despite this, Khamenei emphasized that victory over the protests did not equate to leniency for foreign actors allegedly involved.

“Yes, we extinguished the fire of the sedition, but that isn’t enough,” Khamenei stated. “The US must be held accountable.” He further clarified that Tehran did not intend to escalate the situation into a broader war but made it clear that those responsible, both inside and outside the country, would face consequences. “We will not just let go of the criminals,” he added.

In detailing the impact of the unrest, Khamenei provided a harrowing account of the damage inflicted. He alleged that agents linked to the US and Israel were responsible for killing thousands of people, vandalizing over 250 mosques and more than 250 educational institutions, and damaging critical infrastructure including the power grid and healthcare facilities. While independent verification of these claims remains limited, the statements underscore the regime’s narrative that the protests were fueled externally rather than being primarily domestic in origin.

The tension between Washington and Tehran escalated further amid reports of a potential US military strike on Iran. Reuters reported on January 15 that a US strike was “imminent,” though the attack did not materialize. Trump later announced that he had called off the planned strike after learning that Iranian authorities had reversed executions for some of the most violent rioters detained during the unrest. Nonetheless, Khamenei’s rhetoric emphasized Iran’s preparedness to retaliate if threatened.

A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that Tehran had warned neighboring countries of the potential to target US military bases in the Middle East if Washington carried out a strike against the Islamic Republic. While emphasizing a preference for stability and avoidance of war, Khamenei’s statements reflect Iran’s longstanding posture of deterrence and readiness to respond to perceived foreign aggression.

The unrest itself highlights a complex interplay of domestic grievances and geopolitical tensions. While economic hardship was the immediate catalyst, the protests quickly became intertwined with longstanding political and social frustrations, including demands for greater freedom, transparency, and government accountability. Analysts note that Iran’s authorities have historically portrayed domestic unrest as the product of foreign interference, framing internal dissent in the context of international conspiracy. Khamenei’s framing of the December and January protests fits this pattern, positioning the Iranian government as the defender of national sovereignty against external threats.

The Supreme Leader’s claims also have implications for Iran’s foreign policy and regional posture. By portraying the United States and Israel as aggressors seeking to destabilize the country, Khamenei reinforces Iran’s narrative of victimhood while justifying domestic crackdowns and potential retaliatory measures abroad. This messaging may also be aimed at shoring up domestic support by emphasizing national unity in the face of external threats, particularly at a time when economic pressures and political dissatisfaction are high.

The international response to Iran’s claims has been measured. While some foreign governments have expressed concern about human rights abuses during the protests, there has been no direct confirmation of the scale of US or Israeli involvement alleged by Khamenei. The United States has not officially responded to the Supreme Leader’s specific allegations, and Israel has not publicly commented on the claims. However, Tehran’s warnings regarding potential military retaliation, if perceived as credible, could heighten tensions in an already volatile Middle East region.

Looking forward, Iran faces a challenging path. The government must address the underlying economic issues that fueled the protests while maintaining political stability amid continuing domestic dissatisfaction. At the same time, the regime appears intent on framing future unrest as the product of external threats, which could influence both internal policy and regional diplomacy.

In conclusion, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has asserted that the country has triumphed over the United States by suppressing the recent wave of protests. He accused Washington and its allies of orchestrating the unrest and called for accountability for their alleged actions. While calm has returned to Iran’s streets, the rhetoric from Tehran signals ongoing tension with the United States and a continued readiness to defend national sovereignty against perceived foreign intervention. The situation remains closely watched by regional observers and international governments alike, as the implications of the unrest and Khamenei’s claims extend far beyond Iran’s borders.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings