Iranians hold national flags and pictures of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, during a rally in condemnation of foreign-linked riots, in the capital of Tehran on January 12, 2026. (Photo by khamenei.ir)
Leader hails mass nationwide rallies as blow to enemy plots
Press TV Monday, 12 January 2026
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised nationwide rallies in support of the Islamic Republic, saying the mass turnout “made history” and foiled the enemies' plot to destabilize the country through their domestic agents.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Monday in a message to the Iranian public, following nationwide rallies in which participants condemned foreign‑linked riots and reaffirmed support for the Islamic Republic.
“Noble Iranian nation, today you accomplished a great task and marked a historic day. These massive gatherings, filled with firm resolve, foiled the plot of foreign enemies that was to be carried out by domestic mercenaries,” the message said.
The Leader added that the rallies showed the nation’s “determination and identity” to the enemies and served as a warning to US officials “to end their deceit and stop relying on treacherous mercenaries.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian people as “strong, powerful, and aware,” saying they remain present and vigilant in times of crisis.
Peaceful protests over economic hardship last week escalated into riots, fueled by remarks by US and Israeli leaders, with armed groups damaging public property and causing casualties among civilians and security forces.
Security and judicial bodies say they have dismantled several armed cells and arrested foreign‑linked operatives during the unrest.
Ayatollah Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic “will not back down against vandals” and will not tolerate those acting as agents of foreign powers.
Video: The Iranian people hold a rally in Tehran to condemn the recent foreign-backed riots across the country, January, 12, 2026. (By Tasnim news agency)
Tehran rally- Iranians hold US, Israel directly responsible for blood of martyrs
Tehran rally: Iranians hold US, Israel ‘directly’ responsible for blood of martyrs
Press TV Monday, 12 January 2026
Iranians at a rally in Tehran say the United States and Israeli regime are “directly” responsible for the blood of those who lost their lives during the recent foreign-backed riots in the country.
In their final statement on Monday, the participants called on Iranian officials to take immediate steps to improve the living conditions and firmly counter economic corruption.
They said the spiteful enemies of Iran, especially the criminal US and child-killing Israeli regime, used their organized mercenaries to destroy public and private property, violate Islamic sanctities, and target the “holy unity” of the Iranian nation to prepare the ground for foreign interference.
They hailed the vigilance of the noble Iranian nation and security forces and expressed their hatred toward the terrorist and criminal acts.
The participants in the nationwide rallies chanted slogans and renewed their support for Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
They condemned the armed terrorists and mercenaries for desecrating he holy Qur’an, setting mosques, medical centers, and public properties on fire, and killing civilians. They also called on the judiciary to severely punish the American-Zionist perpetrators.
The participants also slammed any foreign interference in Iran’s affairs, as well as remarks by US President Donald Trump and European countries in support of the recent riots.
The statement emphasized the need to respond properly to the rightful demands of the Iranian people.
