Iran’s supreme leader admits thousands were killed in protests supported by ‘criminal’ Trump
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged thousands of deaths during recent unrest, blaming US President Donald Trump for encouraging protesters with promises of military support, while not addressing Iran’s security forces' violent crackdown.
- Khamenei described protesters as either foreign-backed operatives or manipulated youth, accusing them of damaging public infrastructure and causing thousands of casualties, and called for unity in defending the Islamic system amid Iran’s difficult economic situation.
- The Iranian government partially restored internet access after a near-total shutdown during the protests, citing security concerns, though connectivity remains limited and patchy across the country.
- Over 24,000 protesters have been arrested, with fears of harsh punishments including potential death penalties, though Iranian officials have given mixed statements
