Security

Video: Iran Supremo Threatens Demonstrators

So much for resolving Iran’s political crisis peacefully. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told pro-democracy demonstrators Friday that their cause was bunk, and that their leaders would be “responsible for the bloodshed” that came from further protests. If you think “that by turning out onto the streets that you can pressure the officials your demands is wrong,” […]

So much for resolving Iran's political crisis peacefully. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told pro-democracy demonstrators Friday that their cause was bunk, and that their leaders would be "responsible for the bloodshed" that came from further protests.

If you think "that by turning out onto the streets that you can pressure the officials your demands is wrong," he told the activists.

A violent showdown between the demonstrators and the regime now seems all-but-guaranteed; further protests are already being planned.

"Ppl in Iran will most likely not accept ths, remember 'peace if possible but truth at all costs,'" one Tweeted. Another: "The situation in Iran is now CRITICAL - the nation is heartbroken - suppression is iminent [sic]." A third: "Khamainei MUST be removed. The Protest's must continue with the biggest yet, how him that his hollow words hold no power Iran!"

Meanwhile, Khamenei said there was no chance of giving in to the protesters main demand – annulling the disputed June 12 presidential election. There may be allegations of improprieties in the vote count. But those allegations must be wrong, he added. "The legal mechanism in our country won't allow any cheating."

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