High-ranking Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami has publicly demanded the execution of anti-government protesters during a sermon delivered on March 15, 2024. In his remarks, broadcast by Iranian state media, Khatami blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel, asserting that they aim to destabilize Iran. His inflammatory rhetoric included direct threats against U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Khatami, a prominent member of Iran’s ruling theocracy and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, characterized the demonstrators as “butlers” for Netanyahu and “soldiers” for Trump. He accused them of being pawns in a larger plot to disintegrate the Iranian state. His sermon further claimed that the protests, which erupted in December 2023 following the collapse of the Iranian currency, were orchestrated by foreign forces.
The cleric’s call for the death penalty comes as reports indicate significant damage from the protests. Khatami mentioned that approximately 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and 400 hospitals sustained damage during the unrest. Additionally, he cited 106 ambulances and 71 fire department vehicles as casualties of the protests. The cleric’s assertions reflect the regime’s ongoing narrative that labels demonstrators as “terrorists” and foreign agents.
During the prayer service in Tehran, attendees echoed Khatami’s sentiments, chanting for harsher retribution against the protesters. His comments follow a violent crackdown by the Iranian government, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths since the protests began. This harsh response has seemingly temporarily quelled dissent, although sporadic protests continue in various cities.
Khatami’s sermon has drawn international attention as tensions between Iran and the West remain high. The Iranian government maintains a firm stance against the protests, which they claim threaten national security. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, aware that regional stability hangs in the balance.
As the protests evolve, the Iranian regime’s narrative and Khatami’s threats signal a continued hardline approach to dissent. According to reports, the regime has faced mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, leading to concerns about the potential for further unrest in the future.
