Hawzah News Agency - (Tehran - Iran) - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has lauded the Iranian nation’s tremendous victory in thwarting a “dangerous” enemy plot to take advantage of the government's gas price hike as an opportunity to commit acts of violence and vandalism in line with a subversive agenda.

Ayatollah Khamenei was addressing members and commanders of Iran’s volunteer Basij force in Tehran on Wednesday on the occasion of the Basij Week. The week marks the anniversary of the Basij force’s creation in the months leading to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution under the direction of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.

The Leader noted that the enemies had hatched a “profound, extensive, and very dangerous” plot against the country, and were seeking to enact the conspiracy through acts of destruction, homicide, and mischief.

The issue of gasoline was the opportunity they had in mind, and [therefore] brought their legion into the scene,” Ayatollah Khamenei said. “However, the Iranian nation destroyed the enemy’s act in a glorious display [of national presence].”

Using a recent hike in the price of gasoline as a pretext, foreign-backed riotous elements began staging acts of violence across the country, setting fire to, looting, and vandalizing public facilities, including banks, gas stations, and department stores.

Shortly after the price hike was announced, through, Ayatollah Khamenei warned that the protests against the decision could be used by agitators, who were being provoked and equipped by the country’s enemies. The note of caution prompted sweeping pro-government rallies across the country.

Most recently, Tehran’s iconic Enqelab (Revolution) Square hosted a huge gathering in support of the country’s Islamic establishment and condemnation of the riots.