Protests gripping Iran since late December have spotlighted deep economic grievances, coinciding with a fresh war of words between Tehran and Washington. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi posted a provocative video on X of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who lambasted the United States for its futile attempts to undermine the Islamic Republic over four decades.
In the video, Khamenei declared victory: ‘They threw everything at us—military, security, economic, cultural, and labor attacks—often bankrolled by external weaklings. But they’ve gained no ground and lost decisively.’ He portrayed Iran as a beacon of strength and prosperity under Islamic rule, crediting it for leaps in science, technology, arts, linguistics, and geopolitical influence.
This comes as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US for promoting anarchy, assuming Iran mirrors other nations ripe for destabilization. The unrest stems from a collapsing rial, driving up prices of daily essentials and sparking widespread fury.
Authorities responded by cutting off internet and mobile networks nationwide on Thursday, a shutdown persisting beyond 60 hours amid efforts to contain violence. On the counteroffensive, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that US involvement in the protests would trigger Iranian assaults on American troops and shipping lanes, with ripple effects possibly hitting Israel.
As Trump’s threats loom large, Khamenei’s message signals unshakeable resolve. The standoff highlights Iran’s internal challenges juxtaposed against external pressures, raising stakes for regional stability and global energy markets.