Iran has faced significant casualties following unrest that began on December 28 and escalated into a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the US President for supporting the protesters and accused the US of seeking dominance over Iran’s resources.
The Ayatollah labeled the US President a criminal, blaming him for casualties and damages during the protests. He referred to the protesters as “foot soldiers” of the United States, alleging they had destroyed various establishments. The Ayatollah also accused the protesters of causing several thousand deaths through their actions.
The protests initially erupted due to economic concerns in late December, triggered by the government’s decision to end currency subsidies. Reports indicate a death toll of 2,435 protesters and 153 security personnel, with over 18,470 individuals arrested. Some sources suggest the death toll could be as high as 10,000, surpassing previous unrest in Iran.
In response, President Trump called for a change in leadership in Iran, criticizing Ayatollah Khamenei’s governance. Trump previously hinted at military action but later showed a more conciliatory stance, acknowledging Iran’s cancellation of planned executions.
Ayatollah Khamenei blamed the unrest on armed rioters using foreign-supplied live ammunition. He emphasized the country’s stance against war but vowed to address both domestic and international offenders. Iran has since returned to a state of calm following the suppression of the protests.
Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of instigating the unrest, with President Pezeshkian alleging foreign interference in a conversation with Russian President Putin. Despite these accusations, Tehran appears peaceful with no recent signs of protests, indicating a return to normalcy in the capital.