Iran has witnessed significant casualties during the unrest that started on December 28 and escalated into a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Ayatollah Khamenei accused the US President of supporting the rebels and seeking to dominate Iran’s resources. He labeled the US President as a criminal for the damages caused and accused protesters of being aligned with the United States, blaming them for destroying mosques and educational facilities.
The protests initially erupted due to economic concerns as the government moved to end currency subsidies, leading to high inflation. Reports indicate a death toll of 2,435 protesters and 153 security personnel, with over 18,470 arrests. Some sources suggest the death toll could be as high as 10,000, the highest since the 1979 revolution.
In response, President Trump criticized Ayatollah Khamenei’s leadership and called for a change in Iran’s regime. He also mentioned a potential military intervention but later hinted at a more diplomatic approach. Ayatollah Khamenei accused rioters of using foreign-imported live ammunition and emphasized the need to address both domestic and international offenders.
Iran has since returned to a state of calm after the violent suppression of protests. Iranian officials have blamed the United States and Israel for instigating the unrest, with President Pezeshkian accusing these countries of interference during a conversation with Russian President Putin. Tehran is currently peaceful, with no reports of new protests in recent days.
