High-ranking Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami has called for the execution of anti-government protesters during a fervent sermon in Tehran. His remarks, delivered on Friday, included direct threats against former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accused of inciting unrest in Iran. Khatami attributed the protests to a coordinated effort by the United States and Israel to destabilize the country, framing demonstrators as pawns in this alleged conspiracy.
Khatami, a significant figure in the Iranian theocracy and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanded harsh repercussions for the protesters, which he derogatorily referred to as “butlers” of Netanyahu and “soldiers” of Trump. During his sermon, broadcast by state media, he warned that those involved in the protests should expect “hard revenge from the system.” The cleric stated, “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace,” indicating a volatile atmosphere ahead.
According to Khatami, the protests have resulted in extensive damage to various facilities, including approximately 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and numerous emergency service vehicles. He reported that around 400 hospitals and many ambulances were also affected, underscoring the scale of unrest. His inflammatory rhetoric resonated with the congregation, who responded with chants calling for the execution of “armed hypocrites.”
The unrest began on December 28, 2023, following the collapse of the Iranian currency and has since evolved into widespread demonstrations challenging the government’s authority. Khatami’s characterization of the protesters as “terrorists” and foreign agents reflects the regime’s efforts to delegitimize dissent. Reports indicate that thousands were killed during the government crackdown on these protests, which has effectively stifled the movement for the time being.
Following Khatami’s remarks, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, as tensions continue to escalate. The cleric’s threats against high-profile leaders may further exacerbate already strained relations between Iran and the West. The Iranian regime’s response to these protests remains crucial in determining the region’s stability and the future of civil unrest within its borders.
