The unelected Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei — who rules the country with unchecked power — has unleashed a frenzied tweetstorm, accusing the U.S. and “Zionists” of being behind the ongoing protest movement in Iran.
The tweetstorm starts with a somewhat laid-back approach to the protests in Iran, in which many are calling for his dismissal — or even his demise.
Regarding the recent events, there has been various analysis. There is a correct point commonly made: that is separ… https://t.co/Dwr1d1QxLr— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515491406.0
All moves against us, by the enemy, over the past 40 years are attacks on the Islamic Revolution. The Revolution po… https://t.co/AvA7DHrpvl— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515492040.0
He then takes to accusing foreign western nations of inciting revolution from within, linking the concerns of protesters to an unproven coup attempt, without revealing any evidence for his allegations.
Once again, the nation tells the US, Britain, and those who seek to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran from abr… https://t.co/CM1psXfV1g— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515492041.0
Next, he predictably loops the Jews (code word: Zionists) into the mix. Of course, the theocrats in Iran have a reputation for trafficking in anti-Semitic conspiracies. Khamenei and many top Iran regime officials are Holocaust deniers.
According to evidence of intelligence, there's been a triangle pattern activating these events. The scheme was form… https://t.co/eSmPYP1OmA— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515493486.0
The U.S. is utterly angry; they're not only angry at this humble person. They're angry at everyone and everything,… https://t.co/tIthYb7E1o— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515494437.0
US officials have started talking nonsense: US pres. says Iranian establishment's frightened by its ppl. No! Irania… https://t.co/Sr75gcT1FW— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515494982.0
The U.S. President says the Iranian establishment is terrified by their power. Well, if we were so terrified by you… https://t.co/mpDBiiOf2l— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515495273.0
Khamenei then begins his attack on President Trump, who has used his social media platform and executive agencies to raise awareness about the plight of the Iranian people.
US President says the Iranian people are hungry. Don't they see the 50 million Americans, or more, starving in US?… https://t.co/n1q8dGJD42— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515495626.0
US Pres. expressed concerns. Do you have no shame? US police killed about 800 people in 1 year! US used any means p… https://t.co/p5djFQlhYy— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515496101.0
Khamenei then casually threatens action against the U.S. in retaliation for his unproven theory that the protests are a western plot.
U.S. officials should know that, firstly, they have missed their target: and if they target Iran again, they will f… https://t.co/kcEASBzpge— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515497045.0
Last, the ayatollah picks up on liberal media narratives and accuses President Trump of being mentally unstable.
Thirdly, this man who sits at the head of the White House— although, he seems to be a very unstable man--he must re… https://t.co/hX8I1BaZo4— Khamenei.ir (@Khamenei.ir) 1515497314.0
Since 1989, Khamenei has ruled over Iran with an iron fist. He has attempted to chip away at Iran’s Persian heritage, instead leveraging the nation as a home base for a revolutionary Islamic supremacist ideology. He succeed the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who came to power in 1979, following the overthrow of the Shah of Iran.