Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Acknowledges Protest Deaths, Blames US
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that thousands of people have been killed during the recent wave of protests sweeping across the nation. In a televised address on Saturday, Khamenei stated that thousands perished, describing some deaths as “inhuman and savage,” and directly attributed blame to the United States for the escalating violence.
The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances on December 28th, quickly evolved into widespread calls for an end to Khamenei’s decades-long rule. The Iranian government has consistently characterized the demonstrations as “riots” instigated by external enemies.
Rising Death Toll and Information Blackout
According to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 3,090 lives have been lost in the violent crackdown on unrest. However, activist groups suggest the actual death toll may be significantly higher. A near-total internet blackout imposed by the Iranian government has severely hampered efforts to independently verify information and assess the true extent of the crisis. As of Saturday, overall internet connectivity remained at approximately 2% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks, a cyber monitor.
US Response and Accusations
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Iranian demonstrators to “keep protesting” and has even threatened military intervention should Iranian security forces continue to target protesters. Khamenei, in turn, accused those “linked to Israel and the US” of causing “massive damage” and being responsible for the deaths of thousands. He labelled President Trump a “criminal” for the casualties, damages, and alleged slander inflicted upon the Iranian people.
“We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,” Khamenei stated, as reported by Iranian state media. He further claimed that “America’s goal is to swallow Iran.”
Escalating Tensions and Potential Conflict
The US State Department has reported receiving intelligence indicating that the Islamic Republic is considering options to target American bases. A stern warning was issued, stating that Iran would face “a very, very powerful force” if such an attack were launched. President Trump, while claiming the “killing in Iran has stopped,” has not ruled out military action.
In response to the escalating tensions, both the US and the UK have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, described by officials as a “precautionary measure.”
On the Ground in Iran
Despite reports of diminishing unrest in recent days, the situation remains fluid due to restricted internet access. A resident of Shiraz, in southwestern Iran, told BBC Persian that security forces continue to patrol on motorbikes to maintain control, but that overall, conditions have largely returned to normal.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s acknowledgement of the significant death toll, coupled with his strong condemnation of the US, signals a continued hardline stance from the Iranian regime. The international community watches closely as the crisis unfolds, with concerns mounting over potential regional instability. For further information on the situation, you can refer to BBC News.
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