Washington 0
17 November 2019

Amidst nationwide protests in Iran following the government’s decision to raise gas prices, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that although “some people are certainly worried or upset about this decision… acts of sabotage do not solve any problem. In fact, it adds insecurity to any possible problem”. Khamenei also asserted that “since these incidents took place, all malicious centers in the world, which work against us, have encouraged these actions”. The same day, the White House announced that “the U.S supports the Iranian people in their peaceful protests against the regime that is supposed to lead them”, while “condemn[ing] the lethal force and severe communications restrictions used against demonstrators”.  The statement further contended that “Tehran has fanatically pursued nuclear weapons and missile programs, and supported terrorism, turning a proud nation into another cautionary tale of what happens when a ruling class abandons its people and embarks on a crusade for personal power and riches”.

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