Intense Protests Erupt in Iran Amidst Rising Death Toll and Political Tensions

Ongoing Protests in Tehran: Thousands Dead, Trump and Khamenei Exchange Harsh Words

Iran is currently grappling with one of its most significant internal crises in recent history. Since late December 2025, anti-government protests have spread across the nation, initially sparked by economic hardships, unemployment, power and water shortages, and internet censorship. However, these demonstrations have quickly escalated into a broader opposition against the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the entire Islamic Republic system.

Protesters have chanted slogans like "Death to the Dictator" and waved the Lion and Sun flag, a symbol of rebellion against the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Violent crackdowns by security forces have resulted in thousands of fatalities. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and HRANA, report that the death toll could range from 2,000 to 20,000, with widespread live ammunition fire, arrests, and internet blackouts. Khamenei himself acknowledged that "thousands have been killed," attributing the blame for these deaths to the United States and Israel.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly supported the protesters, urging Iranians to continue their resistance and seize government institutions. He stated that it is time for "new leadership" in Iran and that Khamenei's 37-year rule should come to an end. Trump referred to Khamenei as an "ill person" and a "madman," suggesting that under his leadership, Iran has become a place where no one would want to live. He warned that if protesters were killed or faced mass executions, the U.S. would take "very strong action." Later, Trump claimed that Iran had canceled over 800 proposed executions, which he called "the best decision of their lives," suggesting that the threat of military intervention had temporarily subsided.

In response, Khamenei labeled Trump as "criminal" and "arrogant," accusing him of having blood on his hands and designating the U.S. as the center of a "conspiracy." He asserted that the protests were a "foreign plot," with Trump personally inciting the demonstrators and promising military assistance. Khamenei claimed that the Iranian nation had "defeated" the U.S. and that the rebellion would be crushed. Iran is reportedly preparing to respond to new sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.

Currently, the protests have largely been suppressed due to a heavy security presence on the streets, curfews, and internet restrictions. However, experts believe that the situation remains unstable and could flare up again without reforms. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on certain Iranian officials, and Trump has threatened tariffs on Iran's trading partners.