In a televised address on January 9, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned nationwide anti-government protesters as ‘vandals’ seeking to ‘please’ U.S. President Donald Trump, as the country faced its largest demonstrations in years amid an internet blackout and escalating violence.
The protests, now in their 13th day, began on December 28, 2025, with merchants in Tehran protesting economic woes, and have since spread to 180 cities across all provinces. Videos verified by sources like BBC Verify show crowds chanting ‘death to the dictator’ and calling for monarchy restoration, reflecting deep-seated discontent with the Islamic Republic’s rule.
Khamenei, 86, remained defiant in his speech, stating that the Islamic Republic ‘will not back down’ and blaming the U.S. for inciting violence, specifically referring to protesters who set fire to a state TV building in Tehran. Iranian authorities echoed this rhetoric, issuing warnings of ‘no leniency’ and describing demonstrators as ‘armed vandals’ disrupting peace.
Security forces have responded harshly, with human rights groups reporting at least 48 to 65 protesters killed and over 2,200 individuals detained. An internet and phone service blackout imposed since Thursday evening has severely limited information flow, raising fears of increased violence and making casualty verification difficult, according to monitoring organizations like NetBlocks.
Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to ‘hit them very hard’ if Iran’s government escalates violence against protesters, though he ruled out ‘boots on the ground.’ European leaders from the UK, Germany, and France issued a joint statement condemning the use of force and urging Iran to respect freedom of expression, while the United Nations expressed concern over the loss of life.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, has played a key role by urging Iranians to protest and appealing to Trump for intervention, galvanizing monarchist sentiments among some demonstrators. Analysts note that the current protests combine economic despair with broader political demands, making them particularly resilient despite the regime’s crackdowns.
As the internet blackout continues, experts warn that the regime’s use of force could intensify, but highlight the protesters’ determination driven by economic hardship. The interplay between domestic unrest and international pressure sets the stage for potential escalation that could reshape Iran’s political landscape in the coming days.
