Iran’s Supreme Leader Condemns Protests as ‘Troublemakers’
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled anti-government protesters “troublemakers” and “a bunch of vandals,” accusing them of seeking to please the U.S. president. He claimed that the crowds were destroying buildings because Donald Trump had said he “supports you.”
“Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of several hundred thousand honourable people and it will not back down in the face of those who deny this,” said the 86-year-old.
Trump Warns of Strong U.S. Response
Trump has warned Iran that if the country kills protesters, the U.S. will “hit” it “very hard.” The protests, entering their 13th day, began over economic grievances and have escalated into the largest demonstrations in years, with calls for the end of the Islamic Republic and some advocating the restoration of the monarchy.
Casualties and Arrests
At least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed, according to human rights groups. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported at least 51 protesters, including nine children, had been killed. BBC Persian confirmed identities of 22 of those killed through family interviews.
Internet Blackout and Information Flow
An internet blackout is in place across Iran. Internet monitoring groups Cloudfare and Netblocks noted that minor traffic returned on Friday, but the country remains under near-total disruption. This limits the emergence of information from within Iran.
Protests Across the Country
Protests have occurred in 67 locations, with videos verified by BBC Verify. In Zahedan, demonstrators gathered after weekly prayers, chanting “death to the dictator” in reference to Khamenei. In Isfahan, a fire broke out at the Young Journalists Club’s office, a subsidiary of state broadcaster Irib. Photos from Tehran’s Kaaj roundabout show cars overturned and set alight.
Call for Monarchy Restoration
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, urged Trump to “be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran.” He lives near Washington DC and had encouraged protesters to take to the streets on Thursday and Friday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement vowing to end the current situation in the country.
