Some rioters ruining streets to please Trump, says Khamenei amid Tehran protests

Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday signalled a tougher crackdown on ongoing anti-government protests, accusing demonstrators of acting to please foreign powers, particularly the United States, as unrest continued across several cities despite a sweeping communications blackout.

In a brief address aired on state television, Khamenei said protesters were “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” a pointed reference to US President Donald Trump. Addressing chants of “Death to America” from the audience, the Supreme Leader warned that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate individuals acting as “mercenaries” for foreign governments.

Khamenei also took a swipe at Trump, telling him to focus on problems within his own country instead of commenting on Iran’s internal affairs. Iranian authorities have repeatedly blamed the United States, Israel, and their allies for stoking unrest inside the country.

The full scale of the demonstrations remains unclear due to widespread internet shutdowns and restrictions on international phone services. However, the protests mark the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in several years. What began on December 28 as demonstrations over the country’s worsening economic conditions has steadily escalated into broader political unrest.

The protests have also tested whether Iran’s public could be influenced by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has called for sustained demonstrations. Some rallies have reportedly included chants in support of the former shah, an act that once carried the death penalty, underscoring the depth of anger among protesters.

Short videos shared online by activists showed crowds chanting anti-government slogans around bonfires, with debris scattered across streets in Tehran and other cities. Iranian state media later acknowledged the unrest but accused “terrorist agents” connected to the US and Israel of setting fires and provoking violence, reporting unspecified casualties.

Despite official warnings, protesters continued marching into Friday morning, defying authorities amid heightened security and growing international scrutiny.

The death toll from the ongoing protests in Iran has climbed to 42, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

The US-based group said the demonstrations have continued for 12 consecutive days and have spread across all 31 provinces of the country. Of the total fatalities, 34 were protesters, while eight were members of the security forces.

The protests have also resulted in dozens of injuries and at least 2,217 arrests. HRANA noted that most of the injuries were caused by pellet shots and plastic bullets.

Iranian authorities have so far not released any official figures or statements regarding those killed or wounded during the unrest.

- Ends

with agency inputs