Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has advised Donald Trump to concentrate on governing the United States following the President’s warning to retaliate forcefully against Tehran if it harms protestors.
Khamenei affirmed on state TV that Iran would not yield to individuals demonstrating against the regime and accused Trump of being responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians. He also forecasted the downfall of the “arrogant” US leader.
Referring to Trump, Khamenei stated that protestors are damaging their own communities to please a foreign president. While Washington did not immediately respond, Trump reiterated his commitment to taking action against Iran in the event of protester casualties.
Despite Iran’s government disconnecting the country from the internet and international calls, online videos shared by activists purportedly depict demonstrators challenging the Iranian government while gathering around fires in Tehran and other locations into the early hours of Friday.
Iranian state media alleged that “terrorist agents” from the US and Israel instigated the fires and violence, mentioning “casualties” without providing details.
Due to the communication blackout, the full extent of the protests could not be promptly ascertained. Nevertheless, the demonstrations mark a significant escalation in unrest that originated from economic grievances and has evolved into a substantial challenge to the Iranian government.
The protests, which began on December 28, reflect frustrations over Iran’s struggling economy exacerbated by a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel in June, where the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Economic hardships intensified after the United Nations reintroduced sanctions on Iran in September due to its nuclear program, causing the Iranian rial to plummet to over 1.4 million against the dollar.
Trump reiterated his warning of severe consequences for Iran if it harms protesters who have been mobilizing against the regime over the past fortnight.
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump emphasized that the US would respond vigorously if Iran resorts to violence during the protests.
The US promise of support has taken on added significance following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Tehran, by American forces.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 390 protests have erupted in all of Iran’s 31 provinces, resulting in at least 42 deaths and over 2,270 detentions.
Gauging the true scale of the demonstrations has proven challenging as Iranian state media has provided minimal coverage. Online videos offer only fleeting glimpses of the unrest on the streets or the sound of gunfire.