Iran Protests Intensify Amid Crackdown

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned the ongoing nationwide anti-regime protests, labeling demonstrators as “troublemakers” and “harmful to the country” in a speech released on Friday. Khamenei accused certain individuals of causing destruction solely to appease the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, who has threatened to intervene if protesters are harmed.

The US president’s warnings come as the protests, which began in late December, have intensified, with Thursday evening witnessing the largest demonstrations to date. In response, the Iranian government has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown for over 14 hours, aiming to suppress the spread of information and coordinate dissent.

Khamenei’s speech hinted at a severe crackdown by security forces, emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s history of resilience and its refusal to yield to “destructive” elements. The Iranian state broadcaster reported that the protests had been “infiltrated by terrorist elements,” resulting in several fatalities on Thursday. Unverified videos on social media platforms appear to show bloodied young people in a suburb near Tehran, allegedly injured during a rally.

As the situation escalates, reports of deaths and injuries are increasing, with security forces allegedly opening fire on demonstrators. The Iranian government has not released official casualty figures, but the state broadcaster acknowledged that several people had lost their lives. The international community is watching the developments closely, with several Turkish airlines suspending flights to Iran due to “regional developments.” Pegasus and Turkish Airlines have cancelled flights to Tehran, Mashhad, and Tabriz for Friday and Saturday.

The protests in Iran have significant implications for the country’s future, with the international community urging restraint and calling for the protection of human rights. As the situation continues to unfold, the world is waiting to see how the Iranian government will respond to the growing unrest and whether it will lead to further instability in the region. With the internet shutdown and reports of violence, the international community is increasingly concerned about the safety of protesters and the potential for further escalation.