High-ranking Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami has called for the execution of protesters during a vehement sermon delivered in Tehran on December 29, 2023. Khatami accused the United States and Israel of inciting unrest aimed at destabilizing Iran. His remarks come amid widespread protests triggered by economic grievances, which have escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations.
Khatami, a prominent figure within the Iranian theocracy and a close associate of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, used his platform to demand severe consequences for those participating in the protests. He described the demonstrators as “butlers” for Benjamin Netanyahu and “soldiers” for Donald Trump, framing their actions as part of a foreign plot against the Iranian state. During his sermon, broadcast by Iranian state media, he warned that “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace,” suggesting that retaliation would follow.
The cleric’s comments reflect a harsh stance taken by Iranian officials in response to the protests, which began on December 28, 2023, following the collapse of the Iranian currency. Khatami claimed that approximately 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and significant medical facilities have sustained damage due to the unrest. He reported that the protests have also harmed 400 hospitals and resulted in damage to 106 ambulances and 71 fire department vehicles.
During the sermon, worshippers reportedly echoed Khatami’s calls for violence, chanting that “armed hypocrites should be put to death.” This rhetoric illustrates the intense atmosphere among regime supporters, as they perceive the protests as an existential threat. The Iranian government has adopted a narrative portraying demonstrators as “terrorists” and foreign agents, further escalating the tensions between the state and its citizens.
The government’s reaction to the protests has been severe, with reports indicating that thousands of demonstrators have been killed in brutal crackdowns. Despite this, sporadic protests have continued in various cities, underscoring the ongoing unrest. While some reports detail a nurse allegedly killed by security forces and incidents of rioters setting fire to government buildings, the overall situation remains fluid.
International observers are closely monitoring the developments in Iran, as the government’s violent crackdown has raised concerns about human rights abuses. The protests, initially sparked by economic distress, have morphed into a broader challenge to the theocratic regime’s authority. As tensions escalate, the world watches to see how the Iranian government will respond to both internal dissent and external pressures.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Khatami’s call for executions could have far-reaching consequences for both the Iranian populace and international relations. The response from world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, will likely shape the narrative surrounding Iran’s protests and its leadership’s future.
