Iran’s Leader Warns Protesters as Unrest Spreads and Internet Goes Dark
Iran’s top leadership is signaling a tougher crackdown as protests driven by economic pain and political anger continue to ripple across the country. Speaking on state television on Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused demonstrators of serving foreign interests and warned that Tehran would not back down.
Khamenei said protesters were “vandals and rioters” who were “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” which was a clear jab at U.S. President Donald Trump. He also warned that Iran would not tolerate people acting as “mercenaries for foreigners,” as crowds in his televised address shouted “death to America.”
The remarks came as tens of thousands marched through Tehran and demonstrations spread to cities nationwide, marking what rights groups describe as the most serious challenge to the government in years. The unrest began late last month after the rial plunged and prices surged, but it has since broadened into calls for political change.
Authorities moved to contain the protests by cutting internet access across the country late Thursday, leaving Iran largely offline and disrupting international phone calls. State media blamed the unrest on “terrorist agents” linked to the U.S. and Israel, while projecting an image of normal life through footage of pro-government rallies.
The judiciary echoed the hard line. Chief justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said protesters would face consequences that were “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency.” State outlets also reported clashes, including claims that several police officers were killed by “armed protesters.”
Despite the blackout, videos and eyewitness accounts showed large crowds on the streets overnight, some setting fire to state buildings and waving the pre-1979 lion and sun flag. Protests appeared to intensify after calls from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who urged Iranians to demonstrate and warned the leadership that the world was watching. In an earlier message he said, “Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands.”
Rights groups say the response has been deadly. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports dozens killed and more than 2,200 people arrested, though the true toll is hard to verify with communications down.
Washington has added to tensions. Trump warned last week that if authorities “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the U.S. would “come to their rescue,” adding in a social media post, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.” He later said he would not meet Pahlavi and was unsure it would be appropriate to back him.
