Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly rejected threats from US President Donald Trump. He said Iran will never bow to its enemies. Khamenei warned that the country will force adversaries to “kneel.”
He acknowledged that economic instability has affected traders and businesses. Currency fluctuations and rising prices have created challenges, but he blamed foreign interference for the problems. Authorities are trying to resolve the issues, he said.
Read more: Iran challenges Trump’s threats at UN
Khamenei stressed that protesting is acceptable, but violence is not. He urged officials to engage with peaceful protesters while taking action against rioters. Officials must guide troublemakers home, he added.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Trump’s warning as “irresponsible and dangerous.” He said Iran will not tolerate criminal attacks on public property. He added that Iranian armed forces are alert to defend sovereignty.
Read more: Iran warns Trump not to cross ‘red line’ over threats to intervene
Protests against inflation have entered their sixth day. So far, nine people have died and 44 have been arrested for causing unrest. US threats, Araghchi said, amount to foreign interference that destabilizes the region.