The country’s religious leader accused the US and its allies of waging “psychological warfare” against Tehran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
He also said on Saturday that the United States and its allies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran by accusing it of copyright infringement because catch Two Greek ships after the US seized Iranian oil from an oil tanker.
“Today, the most important hope of the enemy to deal blows to the country is based on mass protests,” Khamenei said, referring to Demonstration via fall of a building in southwestern Iran that killed 37 people last month.
“They hope to direct people against the Islamic organization and the Islamic Republic through psychological work, internet and cyber activities…by spending money and recruiting mercenaries.”
He said in a televised address on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Arrested for building collapse
Authorities blamed the collapse of a 10-story residential and commercial building in Abadan on local corruption and lax safety rules, and said 13 people, including the mayor and officials Other officials, have so far been arrested for construction violations.
However, protesters say the disaster stems from government negligence and entrenched corruption and have chanted slogans against officials, including Khamenei.
Iranians have reported that internet services are disrupted, an apparent attempt to prevent the use of the social network to organize protests and disseminate videos. Authorities have warned people to follow only official media and avoid “rumors” from social media.
The United States, which has imposed tough sanctions on Iran, seized a shipment of Iranian oil from the Iranian-flagged Pegas that Greece had stationed off the country’s coast in April.
Tehran retaliated by seizing two Greek ships on May 27.
However, the world media accused Iran of piracy, Khamenei said.
“Who are the pirates here? You stole our oil. We got it back from you. Taking back a stolen item is not theft,” he said.
