Leader of the Revolution: We will engage in dialogue with protesters; rioters must be put in their place

This morning, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met with the families of the martyrs of the 12-day war. Referring to recent events, he stated that the merchant community is among the most loyal segments of society to the Islamic system and the Islamic Revolution. “We know the bazaar well,” he said, adding that one cannot confront the Islamic Republic in the name of the bazaar or merchants.

He noted that while recent gatherings were largely organized by merchants, their demands were legitimate. When merchants observe the depreciation of the national currency, instability in exchange rates, and the resulting lack of stability in the business environment, they rightly say that they cannot conduct business under such conditions. He stressed that state officials acknowledge this issue and that the president and senior officials are seeking remedies, while also warning that hostile actors are involved in exacerbating the problem.

The Leader emphasized that the sharp and unjustified rise and instability of foreign currency prices is unnatural and the result of enemy actions. He said such developments must be countered through various measures, and that the president and other officials are actively working toward resolving the issue.

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that the merchants’ protest over this issue is justified, but what is unacceptable is that provocateurs or mercenaries affiliated with hostile forces stand behind the merchants and chant slogans against Islam, Iran, and the Islamic Republic. “Protest is legitimate, but protest is different from rioting,” he said. “We talk to protesters, but talking to rioters is futile; rioters must be put in their place.”

He warned against attempts by certain groups to exploit merchants’ protests to create insecurity, calling such actions absolutely unacceptable. The enemy, he said, constantly seeks opportunities and never remains idle. He stressed that the key factor is the readiness of the nation as a whole, along with faith, sincerity, and action—the very qualities that made General Qassem Soleimani who he was. Remaining vigilant against the enemy’s soft war, rumors, and psychological operations is essential, he added.

The Leader emphasized that Iran will not retreat in the face of its enemies and, relying on God and the support of the people, will ultimately bring them to their knees.

In another part of his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei described justice and piety as the two essential pillars for governing society, citing Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the supreme model. He said the enemies of Imam Ali, after military failures, resorted to deception, lies, rumors, and psychological warfare—what today is known as “soft war”—to obstruct his objectives.

He noted that Imam Ali employed various methods to establish justice: kindness and service to the vulnerable, decisive force when necessary, and eloquence and wisdom through explanation and clarification. The Leader emphasized that today’s Islamic Republic has no excuse for failing to implement justice, as it is a system rooted in Alawi governance.

Referring to contemporary challenges, Ayatollah Khamenei warned that fear, hesitation, misplaced loyalties, and concern over enemy reactions can obstruct justice and piety, stressing the need for resolute action without undue considerations.

He highlighted the enemy’s ongoing strategy of spreading doubt, misinformation, and discouragement, aiming to weaken national unity and morale. He noted that despite these efforts, the Iranian people have consistently demonstrated resilience and determination, particularly during the 12-day war.

The Leader cited Iran’s scientific and technological achievements—including the launch of three satellites in a single day and advances in aerospace, biotechnology, medicine, nanotechnology, and defense industries—as evidence of national strength, criticizing attempts to conceal these accomplishments.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that America’s recognition of Iran’s strength was the reason it sought to halt war in the past, while cautioning that Iran does not trust hostile and deceptive rhetoric.

He concluded by honoring the martyrs of the 12-day war and their families, as well as commemorating the legacy of Martyr Qassem Soleimani, describing faith, sincerity, and action as his defining characteristics. The Leader stressed that the names and sacrifices of these martyrs will remain immortal in history.
Tasnim News Agency