As flames light up Iranian cities and the internet goes dark, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has unleashed a scathing attack on protesters, claiming they are destroying their homeland to curry favor with U.S. President Trump. The bold accusation came during a prime-time TV address, amid reports of over 40 fatalities in the escalating demonstrations now entering day 12.
Sparked by economic despair—rampant price hikes and repressive policing—thousands have taken to the streets. Reuters footage captured chaos: torched cars, blazing public buildings, and security forces clashing with crowds. To stem the tide, authorities severed internet access on Friday, severing Iran’s links to the global community.
Khamenei pulled no punches, swearing unwavering resolve against what he called a foreign-backed plot involving expatriate dissidents and American interference. His pointed remark about ‘pleasing another nation’s president by ruining your own roads’ directly references Trump’s interview threat of countermeasures if the regime targets civilians.
The unrest gained momentum after Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s rally cry for synchronized evening protests. Iran’s leadership, from President Pezeshkian to judicial heads, has warned of ruthless suppression. On January 8 night, as demonstrations peaked, communication blackouts were imposed, amplifying fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Global markets jitter as Iran’s oil exports hang in balance. Analysts predict that if protests persist, they could unravel the theocratic regime’s foundations, echoing past uprisings. Khamenei’s rhetoric hardens the battle lines, but the people’s fury shows no signs of cooling.