Iran's Supreme Leader Speaks (14 images)

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his Friday sermon called for an end to street protests that have grabbed Iran since the results of last week's presidential election were announced.

Khamenei said the demonstrations were a "challenge" to democracy and asked how could anyone rig an election that one candidate won by 11 million votes. That candidate would be Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"The Islamic republic state would not cheat and would not betray the vote of the people," Khamenei said.

The ayatollah also warned that people who urge protests would be held responsible for any resulting "chaos."

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during Friday Prayer in Tehran, Iran on June 19, 2009. Khamenei warned protesters of a crackdown and said the presidential elections were fair. (UPI Photo)

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Reflected of Iranian worshipers is seen on a bus window while they pray during Friday Prayer in Tehran, Iran on June 19, 2009. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned protesters of a crackdown and said the presidential elections were fair. (UPI Photo/Mohammad Kheirkhah)

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) leads Friday Prayer in Tehran, Iran on June 19, 2009. Khamenei warned protesters of a crackdown and said the presidential elections were fair. (UPI Photo)

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L-bottom) leads Friday Prayer as Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (with white jacket) prays behind him in Tehran, Iran on June 19, 2009. Khamenei warned protesters of a crackdown and said the presidential elections were fair. (UPI Photo)

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