Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed President Donald Trump for the protests that began on December 28 over economic issues and escalated into calls for an end to clerical rule. He stated that while Iran would not enter a war, it would not allow criminals to go unpunished. Trump, who had threatened strong actions against Iran, thanked the Iranian leaders for not carrying out executions of protesters.
Khamenei accused armed rioters posing as protesters of causing violence, labeling them as terrorists and claiming they were organized by the U. S. and Israel. He stated that these external forces were responsible for deaths and chaos during the protests, which have reportedly resulted in over 3,000 deaths and 22,000 arrests, according to the U. S.-based HRANA rights group. Due to internet blackouts, reports of casualties and disturbances were difficult to verify. As of Saturday, some internet services were restored after about 200 hours of shutdown, allowing for limited connectivity.
Iranian media reported the capture of several individuals deemed ringleaders of the unrest, including a woman identified as Nazanin Baradaran. She was described as operating under a pseudonym and allegedly organizing the protests on behalf of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah. Pahlavi, seen as a potential leader if the regime collapses, has indicated he would seek to restore relations between Iran and Israel.
Reports indicated that arrests had taken place across various regions, with 22 ringleaders apprehended in Mashhad, and more than 1,500 arrests overall. State TV mentioned the arrest of two men linked to the Mujahedeen Khalq, a group advocating for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. The situation remains tense, as authorities continue to respond to the protests with force and arrests.
With information from Reuters
