In brief
In a recent address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described anti-government protesters as 'troublemakers' attempting to please U.S. President Donald Trump amidst ongoing protests over economic issues. The protests, now entering their 13th day, have resulted in numerous fatalities and a significant crackdown by authorities, including an internet blackout to suppress the unrest. As calls for government reform grow louder, the international community watches closely.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called anti-government protesters 'troublemakers' and 'a bunch of vandals' just trying 'to please the president of the US'. He accused crowds of destroying buildings because Donald Trump said he 'supports you'. Trump has warned Iran that if it kills protesters, the US would 'hit' the country 'very hard'. The protests, in their 13th day, erupted over the economy and have grown into the largest in years - leading to calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and some urging the restoration of the monarchy. At least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed, according to human rights groups. An internet blackout is in place.Khamenei remained defiant in a televised address on Friday. 'Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of several hundred thousand honourable people and it will not back down in the face of those who deny this,' the 86-year-old said. Since protests began on December 28, in addition to the 48 protesters killed, more than 2,277 individuals have been arrested, the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) said. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 51 fatalities, including nine children. BBC Persian has validated identities for 22 deceased protesters, while international media faces restrictions in Iran.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement indicating it would not tolerate the ongoing situation. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, has urged Trump to 'be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran', rallying support for protesters.Protests have sparked across the nation, with BBC Verify corroborating videos from 67 locations. Demonstrators gathered in Zahedan, chanting 'death to the dictator' targeted at Khamenei, and the unrest has led to significant infrastructure destruction.The ongoing internet blackout has restricted cash machines' functionality and hindered normal shopping transactions, intensifying fears of a looming humanitarian crisis. Human rights groups have expressed grave concerns over potential violence against protesters as communications become increasingly limited. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi has condemned the potential for a 'massacre' amidst the current crackdown, while citizens report hoarding essentials in anticipation of escalating turmoil.
