Khamenei Acknowledges ‘Thousands’ Killed in Protests, Blames Trump as U.S. Weighs Response
Iran’s Supreme Leader admits thousands died in nationwide protests, blames President Trump; US adjusts military posture and sanctions amid internet blackouts and mass arrests, reported
Overview
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged that “several thousand” people were killed during late-December unrest, blamed the U.S. and called President Trump a “criminal” responsible for casualties and damage.
Rights groups report thousands killed — HRANA cites about 3,090 deaths, others estimate more than 3,400 — but independent verification remains limited by nationwide internet shutdowns and communications restrictions.
Witnesses and activists describe security forces using live fire, rooftop snipers and drones; authorities reportedly arrested tens of thousands, and Tehran prosecutors threatened harsh penalties including possible executions.
President Trump, after reading Khamenei’s posts, demanded “new leadership” in Iran and criticized the supreme leader, while earlier messages from Trump promising aid left some protesters feeling betrayed.
The U.S. repositioned military assets including a carrier strike group, evacuated personnel, and imposed new sanctions on Iranian figures and networks as international pressure and calls for investigations grow.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a clash between an oppressive Iranian regime and U.S.-backed protesters, emphasizing high casualty counts, 'bloody crackdown' language and Trump’s regime‑change rhetoric. Editorial choices — casualty sourcing, selected official condemnations and emphasis on internet blackouts — foreground state violence and U.S. backing while noting limited independent verification.
Sources (18)
FAQ
Estimates vary widely: Khamenei acknowledged 'several thousand'; an Iranian official verified at least 5,000 including 500 security personnel[1][2]; HRANA reported 3,308 confirmed with more under review[1][2][6]; a medical document cited 16,500-18,000 deaths[2]; Iran International claimed at least 12,000[5].
The US repositioned military assets including a carrier strike group, evacuated personnel, imposed new sanctions on Iranian figures and networks, and President Trump demanded new leadership in Iran while criticizing Khamenei.
Security forces used live fire, rooftop snipers, drones, rifles, shotguns with metal pellets, water cannons, tear gas, and beatings; witnesses reported prevention of medical aid[1].
Authorities reportedly arrested tens of thousands; HRANA confirmed over 24,000 arrests nationwide[1].
Heaviest clashes and highest deaths were in Iranian Kurdish areas in northwest Iran, where Kurdish separatists are active.
History
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