Tehran: Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday acknowledged the economic demands of Iranian protesters, while warning against what he described as rioting.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Khamenei addressed the situation during a speech marking a Shiite holiday. He noted that “the president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country. He recognized the fairness of the protests by shopkeepers against the current economic situation. However, Khamenei emphasized that while authorities should engage in dialogue with protesters, engaging with rioters is futile, stating that “those must be put in their place.”
Khamenei’s comments come amidst ongoing economic challenges in Iran, exacerbated by international sanctions. His remarks highlight the government’s stance on differentiating between peaceful protest and actions deemed as rioting.