Iran Protests Escalate as Khamenei Blames US, Internet Blackout Continues

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed ongoing anti-government protests as the work of “troublemakers” acting to please the United States, as unrest enters its 13th day and tensions sharply escalate, BBC reported. 

In a televised address, Khamenei warned that the Islamic Republic would not back down and vowed tough action against what he called “destructive elements.” Iran has also formally accused the US of fuelling violence, sending a letter to the UN Security Council blaming Washington for encouraging unrest and vandalism. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned Iran was “in big trouble” and said his administration was closely monitoring the situation.

The protests, initially triggered by economic hardship and the collapse of the national currency, have grown into the largest nationwide demonstrations in years, with calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and, in some cases, the return of the monarchy. Human rights groups report that at least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed, with more than 2,200 people arrested. A near-total internet blackout has further limited information from inside the country.

International concern is mounting, with the UN and European leaders urging restraint and condemning the killing of protesters, while Iranian security bodies have issued warnings of “no leniency” against demonstrators.