Khamenei BLAMES Trump for Deadly Protests?! What Happens Next Will SHOCK You!

DUBAI – Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pointed the finger squarely at former U.S. President Donald Trump for inciting weeks of unrest that have gripped the nation. This comes amidst reports from human rights organizations alleging a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces, resulting in a tragic loss of life.

Khamenei BLAMES Trump for Deadly Protests?! What H...

The protests, initially triggered by economic hardship on December 28th, morphed into widespread demonstrations calling for an end to the Islamic Republic's clerical rule. I remember seeing those first reports – the sheer speed with which the protests spread was frankly, astonishing. Trump, known for his fiery rhetoric, repeatedly threatened intervention, promising "very strong action" if Iran executed protesters. He even posted on social media thanking Tehran’s leaders for supposedly calling off mass hangings, a claim that Iranian officials have vehemently denied, stating quite clearly that "no plan to hang people" existed.

Khamenei's response, as reported by state media, seems to directly address Trump's past statements. "We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished," he declared. It's a strong statement, signaling a determination to maintain control despite the international pressure and domestic turmoil.

The Iranian establishment, unsurprisingly, is framing the protests as the work of armed rioters masquerading as ordinary citizens. They are using terms like "terrorists" to describe them. Allegedly, they believe that Israel and the US orchestrated the unrest, holding them accountable for the deaths of both protesters and security personnel. "We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation," Khamenei stated, further solidifying the official narrative.

He went on to accuse those linked to Israel and the US of causing massive damage, killing "several thousand," and inciting chaos through arson and the destruction of public property. It's a serious accusation, although verifying these claims independently has been next to impossible. Reuters, like many other news organizations, has been unable to confirm casualty figures or the specific details of the disturbances reported by Iranian media and human rights groups.

However, the US-based HRANA rights group has reported verifying 3,090 deaths, including 2,885 protesters, and over 22,000 arrests. The near-total internet blackouts have made gathering reliable information incredibly difficult. These shutdowns, partially lifted on Saturday, have significantly hampered the flow of information, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

On a slightly positive note, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported the restoration of internet service for some users on Saturday, while the ISNA news website indicated SMS service had also been reactivated. NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, noted a "very slight rise in internet connectivity in #Iran this morning" after 200 hours of shutdown, but emphasized that connectivity remained at a mere 2 per cent of ordinary levels.

A resident of Karaj, a city west of Tehran that experienced intense violence during the protests, confirmed via WhatsApp that internet service returned at 4am (12am GMT) on Saturday. The resident, who requested anonymity, stated that Thursday marked the peak of the unrest in the city. The situation remains tense, and the long-term consequences of these protests are still unfolding.