Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder and potential replacement to  current Leader Ali Khamenei, said the distinction between divine and non-divine politicians and rulers is not simply relying on God, but requires hard work combined with faith, Jamaran reported on February 10.

Speaking at a ceremony renewing the pledge with Imam Khomeini's ideals, Khomeini said: "

If you do not involve people in their destiny, you will become engaged in conflict with them."

The comments come weeks after deadly protests swept Iran in December 2025, triggered by economic grievances that evolved into calls for political reform.

Khomeini's remarks appeared to address the government crackdown that resulted in mass casualties.

Death toll estimates range more than 3,000 according to the Iranian government to over 30,000 according to royalist organisations. The government imposed a near-total internet shutdown and arrested tens of thousands during the unrest.

The Supreme Leader's advisor stressed that effective Islamic governance requires both practical action and popular legitimacy.

"The distinction between divine and non-divine politicians is not simply relying on God whilst doing nothing. Rather, you must work tirelessly," he said, adding that rulers must also show compassion to receive compassion from the people.

Khomeini said Iran's historical vulnerability to foreign invasion stemmed from weak central authority.

"Whenever the country had central power, government and life were good, but whenever it weakened, it was attacked from outside," he said, appearing to warn that excluding citizens from governance threatens national stability.

His emphasis on public participation marks a rare implicit critique from within the establishment. Khomeini stressed that just as economic laws govern inflation, political laws govern popular consent.

"It is God's tradition that if you do not involve people in their destiny, you become engaged in conflict with them," he said.

The remarks come as Iran faces mounting economic pressures. The country's 20-day internet shutdown during protests cost the economy around IRR100tn ($196mn), whilst some reports indicate economic activities declined by 25% to 60%.

Unemployment increased by 650,000 people in summer 2025.

Khomeini's comments also come amid renewed nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said last week the talks provide an opportunity for fair resolution, with Iran seeking rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and lifting of sanctions.

The advisor's call for balancing practical governance with public legitimacy appears aimed at the political establishment's response to December's protests, which saw mass detentions of reformist activists and political figures.

Four reformist activists were recently arrested on charges of supporting Israel and the United States.