Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Government to Be Backed in the Face of U.S. Sanctions

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran's supreme leader on Sunday called for the support of President Hassan Rouhani in fighting looming U.S. economic sanctions, saying America's "conspiracy" could be defeated, according to its official website.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei used a speech to members of Rouhani's cabinet to call for support for the government President of the United States Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from world powers.

The likely return of U.S. economic sanctions has triggered a rapid fall of Iran's currency and protests by bazaar traders usually loyal to the Islamist rulers, and a public outcry over alleged price gouging and profiteering.

Khamenei said "the government's economic team is the axis of all activity in the country," said the website reported. "[1965/0054] Hardline conservative close to Khamenei control powerful bodies of the state which has often criticized the government of Rouhani, a pragmatist who has long sought more open economic relations with the outside world.

"I strongly believe that the government takes the necessary measures, it will be able to overcome problems and defeat the U.S. conspiracy," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with Rouhani and his cabinet, according to his website.

Khamenei Called for Strengthening the Private Sector While Acting on "Decisive Action" Against Economic Crime and Money-Laundering and Smuggling of Goods, Blamed on Those Profiting from the Economic Crisis in the Country.

Separately, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said special prosecutors would swiftly deal with economic crime, including profiting from foreign exchange and gold dealings, allegedly importing mobile phone prices.

In late December, demonstrations that took place in Iranian cities and towns. At least 25 people died in the ensuing unrest, the biggest expression of public discontent in almost a decade.

Demonstrators originally ventured their anger over high prices and alleged corruption, but the protests took on a rare political dimension, with a growing number of people calling for Supreme Leader Khamenei to step down.