Read on bbc.comKhamenei Acknowledges Protest Deaths, Blames US for "Inhuman" Violence
In a significant public statement, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that thousands were killed during recent anti-government protests, describing some deaths as "inhuman" and "savage." However, he placed direct blame for the casualties on the United States and Israel, calling President Donald Trump a "criminal." The protests, which began over economic grievances, escalated into calls for the end of the supreme leader's rule, met with a violent crackdown and a near-total internet blackout that has obscured the true scale of events.
In a rare and consequential admission, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged the deadly toll of recent nationwide protests, while simultaneously deflecting responsibility onto foreign adversaries. During a speech, Khamenei stated that thousands had been killed, with some deaths occurring in what he termed an "inhuman, savage manner." This acknowledgment marks a significant moment, as the Iranian government has typically dismissed or downplayed the scale of unrest and its violent suppression. However, the supreme leader's narrative squarely blamed the United States and Israel for the casualties, framing the domestic crisis as a foreign-orchestrated plot.
The Protests and the Government's Response
The protests erupted in late December, initially fueled by widespread economic discontent. However, the demonstrations rapidly evolved, with chants turning against the very institution of the supreme leader's rule. The Iranian government's response was swift and severe, labeling the protests as "riots" instigated by the nation's enemies. Security forces met protesters with deadly force, and a near-total internet blackout was imposed, cutting Iran off from the global web and making independent verification of events extremely difficult. According to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the violent crackdown claimed 3,090 lives, though some activist groups believe the true toll is far higher.
Khamenei's Accusations and the US Stance
In his speech, Khamenei explicitly accused the US and Israel of causing "massive damage" and killing "several thousand" Iranians. He declared, "We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation," directly targeting President Donald Trump. This rhetoric escalates the long-standing war of words between the two nations. The US stance, articulated by President Trump, has been one of vocal support for the protesters. Trump has urged demonstrators to "keep protesting" and has threatened potential military intervention if security forces kill them, stating he has not ruled out action against Iran.
An Information Blackout and Unclear Future
The government-imposed internet shutdown has been a critical tool in controlling the narrative and suppressing dissent. Cyber monitor NetBlocks reported that overall connectivity in Iran remained at about 2% of ordinary levels, severely hindering the flow of information. While reports of active unrest have diminished in recent days, the continued restrictions mean the situation on the ground remains opaque. A resident of Shiraz told BBC Persian that while security forces maintain a visible presence, daily life has largely returned to normal. The future trajectory of both the protest movement and the US-Iran confrontation remains highly uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
