Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday took a hard stance against ongoing protests, accusing demonstrators of serving the interests of U.S. President Donald Trump as the country grapples with one of its most serious waves of unrest in years.
In his first major speech since demonstrations erupted on December 28, Khamenei claimed protesters were “destroying their own streets to satisfy the president of another country.” He dismissed foreign pressure and urged the U.S. leader to focus on problems at home rather than Iran.
His remarks followed intense overnight scenes in Tehran and several other cities, where large fires burned across streets and protesters openly confronted security forces. What initially began as demonstrations against rising prices and a collapsing national currency — with inflation nearing 40 percent — has rapidly transformed into a nationwide movement demanding regime change and an end to the country’s theocratic system.
Authorities have responded with an intensified crackdown. A nationwide internet blackout was imposed, international calls were severed, and reports emerged that senior officials had moved family members abroad or sought foreign visas as unrest spread.
Protests and strikes have been reported in at least 15 cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Kermanshah. Kurdish regions have seen particularly strong participation, with Kurdish groups publicly backing the uprising. Despite the communications shutdown, calls for a general strike continue to circulate.
Security forces, including elite units and allied militias, have been deployed in large numbers. Violent clashes between protesters and security personnel have erupted, with vehicles torched and government buildings attacked in some areas.
At least 45 people have been killed so far, including civilians caught in the violence, while more than 2,200 people have been arrested nationwide. Human rights groups warn that many detainees are facing harsh treatment as authorities attempt to swiftly suppress the movement.
Iran’s leadership has blamed foreign powers for fueling the unrest, insisting that protecting the Islamic Republic remains a “red line.” Nevertheless, protests persist, driven by deep economic distress, unemployment and long-standing anger over political repression.
Videos shared before the blackout showed crowds chanting against the supreme leader and calling for revolution, marking a rare and direct challenge to Iran’s ruling establishment.
Analysts caution that Iran is at a critical juncture. With unrest spreading, economic conditions worsening and public anger intensifying, the country may be heading toward a prolonged and unpredictable confrontation unless a political solution is found.
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Jan. 10, 2026
12:53 p.m.
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