The story: Iran’s supreme leader has accused western powers of stoking unrest in the country to topple the Islamic Republic, insisting that the public supports the political establishment. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also derided US politicians for listening to the policy recommendations of the exiled Iranian opposition. His dismissal of anti-establishment sentiment comes as Iran is witnessing protests over subsidy reforms that have triggered higher food prices.

The coverage: Khamenei on Jun. 4 delivered his first public speech outside his residence since the Covid-19 pandemic reached Iran in Feb. 2020...