Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently admitted that thousands of Iranians lost their lives during two weeks of protests. He accused US President Donald Trump of encouraging the unrest by offering military support to protesters.
In a national address, Khamenei labeled Trump a “criminal,” claiming he was responsible for both the casualties and the destruction that occurred during the protests, initially triggered by outrage over severe economic hardships.
However, Khamenei skirted discussions about the harsh actions taken by Iran’s security forces. Eyewitnesses reported that government troops fired on demonstrators from rooftops. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has claimed that over 3,000 people have died in the unrest, although CNN has not verified this number.
One protester described how unarmed citizens poured into the streets as they faced gunfire from security forces. “They were aiming lasers and shooting at people’s faces,” said the eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons. Another protester recalled, “They massacred our brave kids.”
Khamenei characterized the demonstrators as either foreign agents or influenced youths. He insisted that the protests led to significant destruction, particularly to public facilities.
In his speech, Khamenei claimed, “By harming the people, they killed several thousand.” He further condemned the violence, calling it inhumane and savage, while asserting that the events were part of a premeditated plot.
Protesters attempted to counter police aggression by lighting fires and barricading streets to prevent attacks from paramilitary forces known as the Basij. One protester stated, “Our only weapon was stones, and we didn’t even get a chance to use them.”
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi downplayed the casualty figures, suggesting the death toll was in the hundreds and labeled higher estimates as misinformation. In his Saturday address, Khamenei declared that the United States should be held responsible for the unrest, emphasizing the need to defend the Iranian government.
The situation further escalated when Trump responded to Khamenei’s accusations, blaming the leader for the country’s collapse and violence against citizens. Trump asserted that Iran’s leaders should focus on proper governance instead of resorting to killings.
Amid the chaos, Khamenei did acknowledge the country’s severe economic challenges but urged citizens to unite in support of the Iranian government. He highlighted recent pro-government demonstrations, claiming that the protests had been quelled.
Since the unrest began, the Iranian government has restricted internet access. Cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks indicated that connectivity remains at a very low level, with limited access still blocked. Reports from Iran state that some internet services have since been partially restored.
Khamenei warned of consequences for those involved in the disturbances, though specifics of potential punishments were not disclosed. The Iranian justice system has faced criticism for threats of executing some arrested protesters, raising fears about their fate.
This unrest comes at a time when the economic pressures in Iran are particularly acute, with inflation and unemployment rates rising significantly. According to a recent report, the unemployment rate in Iran has reached around 12%, with youth unemployment soaring above 25%. These economic woes often stir public dissent, historically leading to unrest.
Ultimately, the Iranian leadership’s narrative often frames the protests as orchestrated by foreign entities, a viewpoint that may resonate with elements of the public, breeding distrust and fear. Social media remains a critical tool for organizing protests, despite ongoing government attempts to suppress communication.
As the tensions continue, the balance between governmental repression and public dissent poses significant implications for the future of Iran. The world will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
