Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Warning Amid Escalating Protests: What’s Next?

Protests Erupt in Iran as Khamenei Responds to Demonstrators

Dubai: On Friday, Iran's supreme leader indicated that security forces would take action against protesters who took to the streets and voiced their dissent from their homes, directly opposing US President Donald Trump's commitment to support peaceful demonstrations.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Trump, labeling him as having 'blood-stained hands' in reference to Iranians, as crowds chanted 'Death to America!' during broadcasts by Iranian state media.

Khamenei remarked that protesters were 'destroying their own streets to please the president of another nation,' referring to Trump. While there was no immediate reaction from the US, Trump reaffirmed his threat to retaliate if protesters were harmed.

Despite the Iranian government's efforts to cut off internet access and international phone communications, activists shared brief videos online showing protesters rallying against the government, with debris scattered across Tehran and other regions into Friday morning. Iranian state media accused 'terrorist agents' from the US and Israel of inciting violence and claimed there were 'casualties,' without providing details.

The full extent of the protests remains unclear due to the communication blackout, but they signify a significant escalation in unrest that began over Iran's struggling economy and has evolved into a major challenge for the government in recent years. The protests have been intensifying since December 28.

These demonstrations also mark a critical moment for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father fled Iran just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi had called for protests on Thursday night and urged further demonstrations at 8 pm on Friday.

The protests have included calls in support of the former shah, a sentiment that could have previously resulted in severe consequences but now highlights the frustration driving the protests that originated from economic grievances.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 42 individuals have died amid the unrest, with over 2,270 arrests reported.

Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted that the protests gained momentum following Pahlavi's call for action, indicating that Iranians were responding seriously to the call for demonstrations aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic.

The internet shutdown was likely intended to obscure the protests from the world, but it may have also allowed security forces to act against demonstrators without scrutiny.

Protests Intensify Following Internet Blackout

As the clock struck 8 pm on Thursday, neighborhoods across Tehran erupted in chants, with slogans like 'Death to the dictator!' and 'Death to the Islamic Republic!' Others expressed support for the shah, declaring, 'This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!' Thousands were seen in the streets before all communications to Iran were severed.

Pahlavi stated, 'Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication.' He accused the government of shutting down the internet and landlines, and potentially jamming satellite signals.

He urged European leaders to join Trump in holding the Iranian regime accountable, calling for the restoration of communication channels so that the voices of the Iranian people could be heard.

Pahlavi indicated he would outline further plans based on the response to his call. His support from Israel has faced criticism, especially following the conflict between Israel and Iran in June. While demonstrators have shown support for the shah, it remains uncertain whether this is an endorsement of Pahlavi or a longing for the pre-revolution era.

The internet blackout has also affected Iran's state-run and semi-official news agencies. The first official acknowledgment of the protests came from state TV at 8 am on Friday.

State media reported that the protests resulted in violence and casualties but did not provide specifics. They also claimed that protesters set fire to private vehicles, motorcycles, and public transport.

Trump Reiterates Threats Over Protester Safety

Iran has experienced waves of protests in recent years, particularly as sanctions tightened and the economy faltered, leading to a collapse of the rial currency in December, which reached 1.4 million to USD 1. Protests erupted shortly thereafter, with demonstrators voicing their opposition to the Iranian theocracy.

It remains uncertain why Iranian authorities have not taken more severe measures against the protesters. Trump warned last week that if Tehran 'violently kills peaceful protesters,' the US would intervene.

In a recent interview, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, 'Iran has been told very strongly, even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell.'

When asked about a potential meeting with Pahlavi, Trump expressed uncertainty, suggesting it might not be appropriate at this time. He emphasized the importance of observing who emerges from the current situation.

In an interview aired on Fox News, Trump even suggested that 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might be contemplating leaving Iran.