Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the nationwide anti‑regime protests in a speech released on Friday, calling the demonstrators “troublemakers” and “harmful to the country.” He accused certain individuals of causing destruction merely to appease the United States, specifically President Donald Trump, who has warned that he will intervene if protesters are harmed.
The protests, which began in late December, have intensified, with Thursday evening marking the largest demonstrations to date. In response, the Iranian government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown lasting more than 14 hours to curb the spread of information and hinder coordination among dissenters. Khamenei’s remarks hinted at a severe crackdown by security forces, emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s historical resilience and its refusal to yield to “destructive” elements.
State broadcaster IRIB reported that the protests had been “infiltrated by terrorist elements,” resulting in several fatalities on Thursday. Unverified videos circulating on social media appear to show bloodied youths 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. Although the government has not released official casualty figures, the broadcaster acknowledged that several people have lost their lives.
The international community is watching the developments closely. Several Turkish airlines have suspended flights to Iran because of “regional developments,” with Pegasus and Turkish Airlines cancelling flights to Tehran, Mashhad, and Tabriz for Friday and Saturday. The protests carry significant implications for Iran’s future, prompting calls for restraint and the protection of human rights.
With the internet shutdown and reports of violence, global concern is growing over the safety of protesters and the potential for further escalation, as the world awaits how the Iranian government will respond to the mounting unrest and whether the situation will lead to greater regional instability.
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