Iran's acting Friday prayer leader in Tehran said the country has "defeated recent unrest" by drawing inspiration from Shia Muslin religious teachings, while warning that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would meet a decisive response, Tasnim News Agency reported on January 23.

The Friday prayer speaker in Tehran holds significant political and social influence within Iran’s power structure. Appointed by Khamenei, the speaker serves as a direct conduit between the country’s highest authority and the public, often articulating official positions on domestic affairs. His warning about targeting the Supreme Leader's office is likely a direct message to US President Donald Trump, who is currently building a large armada of air and naval forces in the Persian Gulf region. 

Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari told worshippers that Iran "overcame recent protests" through guidance from Khamenei, who addressed the nation from Imam Khomeini's Hussainiyah during the unrest.

The religious speaker praised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the occasion of its anniversary and the birth of Shi'ite saint Imam Hussein.

"Any aggression against the Supreme Leader, who represents the national identity, religion and authenticity of the Iranian nation, is our red line and will face a decisive response," Haj Ali Akbari said, adding that all enemy interests and bases in the region fall under the defensive capabilities of Iran's forces.

The cleric claimed opponents had expected to intimidate Iranians into staying home during protests on January 12, but were met by large counter-demonstrations.

He described the government response as "measured," saying security and military forces prevented mass casualties through patience and long preparation.

Ali Akbari highlighted what he termed the resilience of Iran's governance structure, noting that health services, municipalities, fire brigades, emergency services and public utilities remained operational during the unrest period.

He said Iran's embattled President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials maintained a visible presence throughout the crisis, despite the president disappearing for 48 hours during the height of the protests on January 8-9.

The acting prayer leader commemorated several IRGC commanders, targeted General Qassem Soleimani, and credited Khamenei's "guidance" with unifying the nation and providing spiritual strength to citizens during what authorities characterised as foreign-backed sedition attempts.