Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has advised Donald Trump to concentrate on managing his own country after the US President threatened severe action against Tehran if it suppresses protestors.
Khamenei, speaking on state TV, declared that Iran would stand firm against the citizens demonstrating against the government. He accused Trump of being responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians and predicted his eventual downfall.
In response to Trump’s warning, Khamenei criticized protestors for damaging their own streets to please the US President. Trump, on the other hand, reiterated his readiness to strike Iran if any protesters are harmed.
Despite Iran’s government restricting internet access and international calls, online videos surfaced showing protesters rallying against the regime by bonfires in Tehran and other regions. Iranian state media blamed “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel for causing violence and fires, mentioning unspecified casualties.
Due to the communication blackout, the extent of the protests remains unclear, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations that started as economic grievances but have evolved into a substantial challenge against the ruling regime.
The protests, which began on December 28, are a response to Iran’s struggling economy worsened by the aftermath of a conflict initiated by Israel in June, where the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
The economic situation deteriorated further when the UN reinstated sanctions in September due to Iran’s nuclear program, causing the Iranian currency to plummet. Trump has reiterated his warning to Iran, indicating a strong response if the regime resorts to violence against the protesters.
The US administration’s commitment to intervene has gained significance following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Tehran. Human Rights Activists News Agency reported over 390 protests across Iran’s provinces, resulting in at least 42 deaths and over 2,270 arrests.
Gathering accurate information about the protests has been challenging, with Iranian state media offering limited coverage. Online videos provide brief glimpses of the unrest, complicating the assessment of the situation.