Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei urges unity, slams U.S. in address to nation

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday urged Iranians to preserve unity, and said some protesters are trying to please the United States.

Khamenei made the remarks in a televised address to the nation as the country faces growing protests.

Protesters are "ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy," the supreme leader said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Khamenei told the U.S. leader to focus on problems in his own country.

Iran "will not back down" in face of "saboteurs," he said, adding that the "arrogant" U.S. leader will be "overthrown."

The ongoing protests, triggered by the sharp fall in the rial and economic hardships in several Iranian cities since late last month, show no sign of abating, with some deadly clashes reported between the police and what the government described as "rioters."

Since Thursday, Iran has been undergoing a widespread internet blackout, with local communications and media also facing significant disruptions.

Multiple airlines from various countries, including Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, have canceled their services to and from Iran.