Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has advised President Donald Trump to concentrate on managing his own nation following Trump’s warning to take severe action against Tehran if it harms protestors. Khamenei asserted that Iran will stand firm against the demonstrators opposing the regime, accusing Trump of having the blood of numerous Iranians on his hands and foreseeing his downfall.
In response to Khamenei’s comments, Trump reiterated his readiness to strike Iran if any protestors are harmed. Despite Iran’s government blocking internet access and international calls, online videos circulated by activists purportedly show protestors denouncing the authorities by bonfires amidst debris on the streets of Tehran and other locations.
Iranian state media alleged that “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel instigated violence and set fires during the protests, hinting at casualties without providing details. The magnitude of the protests remains uncertain due to the communication blackout, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations challenging the Iranian government.
The protests, which began on December 28, are primarily fueled by economic grievances exacerbated by US sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program. Trump has reiterated his threat of retaliation against Iran should violence escalate against protestors, vowing a strong response if lives are lost during the demonstrations.
The situation has garnered international attention, with more than 390 protests reported across Iran’s provinces, resulting in at least 42 deaths and over 2,270 arrests. Information about the protests is limited, with Iranian state media offering minimal coverage, while online videos provide brief glimpses of the unrest in the streets.
The US administration’s stance on intervening in the protests, especially with the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The ongoing turmoil in Iran reflects a deepening crisis amid economic struggles and political discontent within the country.
