Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday accused actors linked to the United States and Israel of being responsible for killing “several thousands” during weeks of antigovernment protests.
“Those linked to Israel and US caused massive damages and killed several thousands,” Khamenei said, referring to unrest that swept the country for more than two weeks. He described US President Donald Trump as a “criminal” and alleged that Trump had “personally become involved” in what he termed a foreign-backed plot.
Iranian authorities have increasingly blamed foreign powers for the demonstrations, accusing longstanding geopolitical rivals, mainly Israel and the US, of
fomenting instability and directing operations on the ground. Khamenei warned that while Iran would avoid escalation beyond its borders, those responsible would face consequences. “We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished,” he said.
Also read: No sign of new protests; Trump thanks Iran for no executions
There is still no confirmed death toll. US-based rights group HRANA reports around 3,000 killed, while Iranian authorities had previously acknowledged only hundreds of deaths, including members of the security forces. Officials have also arrested some 3,000 people over the protests.
Khamenei accused protesters of widespread destruction, “including burning more than 250 mosque and medical facilities,” Atas said. The demonstrations, which began peacefully over rising prices and economic hardship on December 28, were later claimed by authorities to have been “hijacked by violent protesters receiving orders from outside powers.”
Meanwhile, according to reports, the phased restoration of SMS services nationwide after eight days of near-total internet disruption.
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