Supreme Leader Khamenei Characterizes Recent Unrest as Attempted Coup, Citing Attacks on State Institutions

In a significant declaration, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has framed the recent wave of anti-government protests as tantamount to a coup attempt, marking a stark escalation in the regime's rhetorical response to domestic dissent. Speaking with high authority, Khamenei detailed that demonstrators targeted police forces, governmental and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, financial institutions, and mosques, with reports of Quran desecration. This characterization suggests Tehran perceives the unrest not merely as civil disobedience but as a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic's foundational structures, potentially justifying more severe countermeasures. The analogy to a coup underscores the leadership's intent to delegitimize protest actions and rally state security apparatuses. Analysts note this narrative aligns with historical patterns where Iranian authorities conflate internal opposition with existential threats, often preceding crackdowns. The statement may signal hardening positions ahead of anticipated diplomatic engagements, reflecting heightened internal tensions amid economic strains and social discontent. This development warrants close monitoring for implications on regional stability and Iran's domestic policy trajectory.