By: The Trek News Desk
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a sharp attack on US President Donald Trump over the recent wave of protests in Iran, as human rights groups claim that thousands lost their lives during the unrest. Khamenei blamed Trump for the “loss of lives and property,” alleging that foreign forces were behind the demonstrations.
According to rights organisations, more than 3,000 people were killed across Iran during the protests and the subsequent security crackdown. While the situation has slightly eased in recent days, the aftermath of the unrest continues to draw international attention.
Protests Sparked by Economic Crisis
The demonstrations began on December 28, triggered by rising inflation, unemployment, and worsening economic conditions. What started as protests over economic hardship soon escalated into a nationwide movement against Iran’s political and religious leadership, with demonstrators in several cities demanding an end to the current system of governance.
Videos that surfaced on December 30 showed university students marching alongside shopkeepers and traders on the streets of Tehran, reflecting the broad social base of the protests.
Internet Shutdown and Allegations of Foreign Interference
In an effort to curb the unrest, Iranian authorities imposed strict internet restrictions across the country. During a brief public address, Khamenei labeled the protesters as “rioters and vandals,” accusing them of damaging their own cities to please a foreign leader.
He further warned that Iran would not tolerate individuals acting as “agents for foreign powers,” reinforcing the government’s stance that the protests were externally influenced.
Trump’s Warnings and Tariff Threats
As reports emerged of protesters being killed, Donald Trump warned Tehran against targeting peaceful demonstrators, stating that the United States would intervene if violence continued. On January 13, Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on countries conducting business with Iran and urged protesters to continue their demonstrations.
Despite being described as the most serious domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the protests have weakened in recent days. Trump later thanked Iran’s leadership for allegedly canceling more than 800 executions.
Rights Groups Cite Heavy Death Toll
As calm gradually returns, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency claimed it has verified 3,090 deaths linked to the protests and the security response, including 2,885 protesters.
Gradual Restoration of Communication Services
Meanwhile, Iran has started easing communication restrictions. According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, nationwide SMS services have been restored following nearly eight days of extensive internet disruption.
Officials said the move came after what they described as a “stabilisation” of the security situation and the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to terrorist groups. Authorities indicated that additional internet and communication services would be restored in phases in the coming days.
Source: News Agencies
