‘Pleasing Trump’: Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens Protesters
TEHRAN — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday signaled an imminent crackdown on nationwide protests, accusing demonstrators of acting at the behest of foreign powers and “ruining their own streets” to please U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a televised address, Khamenei labeled protesters “vandals” and “saboteurs,” claiming the unrest was driven by outside interference, particularly from the United States. He warned that Iran would show no leniency toward those involved, framing the demonstrations as a national security threat rather than a domestic grievance.
The comments came as Iran imposed a sweeping internet and communications blackout, limiting access to social media, messaging apps, and international news outlets. Authorities say the restrictions are necessary to maintain order, while critics argue they are intended to suppress coordination and obscure the scale of the crackdown.
Protests began in late December amid Iran’s worsening economic crisis, fueled by soaring inflation, high unemployment, and the continued devaluation of the rial. What started as demonstrations over living conditions has evolved into broader anti-government unrest, with some crowds calling for fundamental political change.
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Human rights groups report that demonstrations have spread to more than 100 cities. At least several dozen people are believed to have been killed, with more than 2,000 detained, though exact figures are difficult to confirm due to the blackout and restrictions on journalists.
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, echoed Khamenei’s hardline message, warning that those arrested would face “decisive” punishment. State media has described the protesters as rioters and foreign agents.
Trump has publicly voiced support for peaceful protesters and warned that the United States would respond if Iranian authorities carried out mass killings, statements that Tehran has cited as evidence of foreign meddling.
Despite the communications shutdown, reports indicate demonstrations continued overnight in multiple cities, with security forces deploying heavily to prevent gatherings.
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