Khamenei: The United States Launched the 'Sedition' and Must Be Held Accountable

SadaNews - Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has accused the United States of igniting unrest in his country, while confirming that Tehran "does not want war," but "will not tolerate criminals at home."

Khamenei, in his third appearance since the latest wave of protests erupted on December 28, stated that the United States launched the "sedition" after numerous preparations and tools to serve its own goals, emphasizing that the Iranian people "defeated them as in the Twelve-Day War," but added that this "is not enough" and that the United States "must be held accountable."

He added: "We do not want to drag the country into war, but we will also not tolerate criminals at home."

The official website of the Supreme Leader quoted Khamenei as saying during a meeting with a group of his supporters, including security forces injured during the protests: "We consider the President of the United States a criminal due to the victims and losses, and because of the accusations he made against the Iranian people."

On Friday, Iran's Ministry of Security announced the dismantling of a main cell of a network of armed "rioters" in Tehran.

Iran has been experiencing unrest since December 28, which began as protests by shop owners in markets against economic conditions and inflation before spreading throughout the country.