Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of individuals perished during the recent protest movement.
In a speech delivered Saturday, Khamenei stated that thousands had been killed, “some in an inhuman, savage manner,” attributing the fatalities to the United States.
Reports indicate a violent response to the unrest, with the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimating 3,090 lives lost. Some activist organizations cite significantly higher death tolls. An ongoing internet blackout has severely hampered the verification of information.
US President Donald Trump recently urged Iranian demonstrators to “keep protesting” and warned of potential military intervention should security forces inflict further casualties.
“Those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand,” Khamenei stated, according to Iranian state media.
“We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation.”
The protests, which originated on December 28th with economic grievances, have evolved into widespread calls for an end to the Supreme Leader’s rule.
The Iranian government has characterized the demonstrations as “riots” incited by external adversaries.
Protesters have faced lethal force, and videos depicting security forces firing upon demonstrators have been independently verified by BBC Persian and BBC Verify.
Furthermore, a near-total shutdown of internet and communication services remains in effect within Iran. Cyber monitoring group NetBlocks reported overall connectivity at approximately 2% of normal levels as of Saturday.
While reports of unrest have diminished in recent days, continued restrictions on internet access impede clear assessment of the situation on the ground.
Speaking to BBC Persian, a woman in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, stated that “security forces are still patrolling on motorbikes to keep the situation under control, but overall things have gone back to normal”.
During his Saturday address, Khamenei also labelled President Trump a “criminal” and asserted that the US must be “held accountable” for the recent turmoil.
He further claimed on social media that “America’s goal is to swallow Iran”.
The White House has been approached for comment, though President Trump has not yet issued a response to the Supreme Leader’s statements.
The US State Department issued a statement Saturday indicating awareness of “reports that the Islamic Republic is preparing options to target American bases”.
The department warned that any such attack would be met with “a very, very powerful force,” cautioning Tehran against “play[ing] games with President Trump”.
President Trump said on Wednesday he had been told “the killing in Iran has stopped”, but added that he had not ruled out military action against the country.
His comments followed decisions by the US and UK to reduce personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.
Officials speaking to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, described the partial American withdrawal as a “precautionary measure”.
Despite the bloodbath of recent weeks, Ayatollah Khamenei might think he must plough on with an iron fist.
The regime’s opponents will hope for more pressure to accelerate the process, writes the BBC’s international editor.
As Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests continues, the US president is considering how best to respond.
Rafael Grossi’s claim contradicts President Trump, who insists Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been “totally obliterated”.
The defence secretary also lashed out at the media in a combative briefing which was praised by his boss at the White House.