Iran’s Khamenei says ‘enemies’ swaying protests

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s supreme leader says the country’s enemies have meddled in recent protest rallies by various means.

A Tuesday report on the website of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quotes him as saying that “in recent days” enemies of Iran have utilized various means including money, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatuses “to create problems for the Islamic system.”

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, does not name any country but says he would explain more in the near future.

This is the first time Khamenei has commented publicly since protests over inflation and economic corruption began Thursday in Mashhad and spread to other cities.

More than 20 people, including protesters and security forces, have reportedly died in clashes and hundreds have been arrested.

— AP