Iran's supreme leader warns dissenters amid war and economic turmoil

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday issued a clear warning to anyone in the country who questions the deadly war with the US that has unnerved energy markets and hit economies around the world.

Alluding to the US and Israel, Khamenei, in a message, said Iran's enemies were trying to cause internal dissent and divisions.

He called for national unity, warning that any actions that fuel pessimism or frustration among the public effectively serve the enemy's interests.

The statements come amid severe economic stress in Iran.

Since the war began on February 28, the fallout has driven a 30–35 percent devaluation of the Iranian rial, which now stands at around 1.75 million against the US dollar.

Right before the war broke out, Iran saw massive protests at the end of December over the depreciation of the currency, rising prices and a general economic slowdown.

Security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, especially on January 8-9, using live fire and causing thousands of deaths.

Mass arrests and a nationwide internet blackout made it one of the deadliest suppressions in the country’s history.

Israel-US war on Iran

Following the protests and government crackdown, Israel and the United States used the situation as an opportunity to launch military attacks against Iran on February 28, hoping to spark a civil war that could topple the government.

In synchronised attacks, the US and Israel targeted Iran’s civilian infrastructure, military and nuclear sites, as well as political and security leadership.

Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials were killed, and the attacks also caused significant civilian casualties.

Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases and targets in Gulf states, with tensions spilling into the wider region, including involvement by Hezbollah and the Houthis and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

A conditional ceasefire took effect in early April 2026 following weeks of intense fighting, though it remains fragile.

Sporadic clashes have continued, including US missile attacks on Iran and Iranian drone and missile strikes on US-linked targets in Kuwait and Bahrain.