As antigovernment protests intensify across Iran, President Donald Trump warned that the country is in “big trouble” and threatened possible military action, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused demonstrators of acting as foreign agents serving U.S. interests.
President Trump spoke to reporters Friday, highlighting the rapid spread of protests in Iranian cities.
“Iran’s in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago,” Trump said. He warned that any violent crackdown on protesters could provoke a U.S. response: “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.”
Trump also expressed concern for the safety of demonstrators, noting the country is “a very dangerous place right now.”
Khamenei calls for unity, blames US
In an address broadcast on Iranian state television, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei framed the protests as a foreign plot, calling for unity against “terrorist actions.”
He accused protesters of being mercenaries for President Trump and claimed the U.S. has “hands stained with the blood” of Iranians. Khamenei’s address coincided with videos showing street clashes, fires, and reports of several police casualties.
At least 62 people — 48 protesters and 14 security personnel — have reportedly died since demonstrations began on December 28, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Protests triggered by economic hardship
The unrest began with shopkeepers protesting against a sharp devaluation of the rial. Protesters have since taken to the streets in cities including Tehran and Zahedan, where gunfire reportedly wounded several participants.
Authorities have cut internet and phone services, delayed flights, and restricted movement to curb coverage of the protests, though videos continue to emerge online showing chants, bonfires, and debris-strewn streets.
Accusations of foreign interference
Iranian state media and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have alleged that the US and Israel are fuelling the unrest, attempting to turn peaceful demonstrations violent.
“These statements reflect a delusional attempt to deflect from the massive challenges the Iranian regime faces at home,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson responded.
Meanwhile, exiled Iranian “Crown Prince” Reza Pahlavi called on Trump to intervene and urged Iranians to take to the streets. Analysts say his social media posts may have encouraged larger protests, though it remains unclear how much support he has within Iran.
Reporting from Tehran notes that police have sent citizens warnings to avoid protest hotspots. Analysts say the internet blackout was likely intended to both limit global scrutiny and provide cover for security forces to act against demonstrators.
Khamenei claimed protesters were “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” prompting chants of “Death to America!” from the audience.
