Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned political leaders on Monday to be cautious in addressing the country’s recent unrest, in an apparent rebuke to two former presidents who have openly criticized the government’s handling of the disputed June 12 presidential election.Ayatollah Khamenei, in a meeting with government officials that was broadcast by state television, kept his remarks vague, warning darkly against “a hand that wishes to strike at the system,” and saying the political elite could “collapse” if it does not adequately meet the challenge it faces. But his comments made clear that the governing elite was not backing down in the face of an emboldened opposition that rejected President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election as fraudulent and mounted renewed street protests in recent days. Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks appeared to be aimed at two former presidents who had taken up the mantle of Iran’s opposit… >>>
