Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns against what he calls “soft war” tactics employed by enemies in a bid to sow discord within the Islamic Republic.
“Today, we have no concerns regarding hard defense or the enemy’s military threats. Islamic Iran possesses strong capabilities to counter such threats, ensuring a high level of security for its people,” says Khamenei during a speech in Tehran.
He says Iran’s “enemies” — referring to Israel and the United States — sought to create problems through “soft war threats” aimed at “manipulating public opinion, creating discord and casting doubt over the foundations of the Islamic Revolution.”
During his speech, Khamenei acknowledges that Iranians “have problems and legitimate expectations,” referring to the economic difficulties faced by the country due to international sanctions.
US President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House for a second term in January, has reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy of sanctions against Iran, mirroring his approach during his first term.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 17, 2025
