Thousands of Iranians marched in cities across the country on Wednesday in support of the government's call for non-violence amid street protests over economic problems, including high prices, unemployment and corruption, IRNA reported. The protests broke out a week ago and soon grew violent, leading to over a dozen deaths so far.
A day earlier, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said hostile foreign powers are behind the spreading unrest, originating from the second largest Iranian city of Mashhad. Ayatollah Khamenei said hostile powers have always been waiting for an opportunity to deal a blow to the Iranian nation, noting that they have mobilized all efforts to harm the country through inciting violence in recent protest rallies.
"In the developments of the recent days, enemies of Iran joined hands to create trouble for the Islamic system, utilizing various means at their disposal, including money, weapons, politics and intelligence services," the Leader said. "What blocks the enemy and its hostile moves is the nation's spirit of courage, sacrifice and faith," he said, adding that he has more to say about the recent unrest that will be stated in an appropriate time. President Hassan Rouhani expressed his government's openness to criticism but appealed to the protestors to refrain from violence.
