Iran's Supreme Leader Acknowledges Thousands Killed in Protests, Blames US and Calls for Executions
In a significant development, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged that several thousand people
were killed during recent anti-government protests, marking the first official acknowledgment of the scale of the unrest. In a public address, Khamenei blamed US President Donald Trump for the violence, accusing him of inciting the protests. Meanwhile, hardline cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami demanded the execution of protesters.
Background and Context
The protests, which began in late December over economic conditions, later expanded into calls for an end to Iran’s ruling system. The unrest led to a nationwide internet blackout instituted on January 8th, making independent verification of the death toll and damage difficult. According to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an estimated 3,000 to 12,000 people were killed over three weeks of unrest. However, Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll.
Key Developments
During his sermon, Khatami reportedly sparked chants from those gathered for prayers, including: “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!” The cleric also claimed 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and 20 other holy places had sustained damage during the protests.
Khamenei accused Trump of playing a personal role in the unrest and labeled him a criminal
. He also accused the US and Israel of aiding the killings, claiming that the Islamic Republic had evidence to support the claim.
Reactions and Implications
The Trump administration has escalated its rhetoric, with the US president calling for new leadership in Iran and dubbing Khamenei a 'sick man'. The US embassy in Iran issued a warning to American citizens still in the country to leave immediately, suggesting land crossings into Armenia or Turkey if it is "safe to do so.”
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said his country is ready for war but also for dialogue in response to US threats.
However, the reaction to the Iranian government's repression of protesters has been divided internationally. While some have remained silent, others have criticized the regime accompanied by attacks on the foreign policy of the United States.
Current Status
As Iran attempts to regain its rhythm following the mass protests, testimonies and graphic accounts of the Islamic regime's repression have started to emerge. Protesters have described a massacre on the streets
, suggesting foreign forces have been brought in to stamp out the unrest. Meanwhile, the Iranian government continues to blame external enemies for the unrest and threats to break the back of the rebellious
continue to echo.