Iran Protests: Trump Vows Military Force as Khamenei Rejects Retreat

WISE NEWS PRESS / TEHRAN, IRAN

Anti-regime protests across Iran have entered their 13th day with demonstrations spreading to dozens of cities, prompting US President Donald Trump to reiterate threats of military intervention. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke his silence yesterday, vowing that the Islamic Republic would not back down in the face of what he termed "sabotage."

The current unrest is being described as the most significant challenge to the Iranian leadership since the 2022 protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. Despite severe internet restrictions, reports indicate that clashes continue in major hubs including Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Qom.

Blackout masks rising death toll

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization reported that at least 51 protesters, including nine children, have been killed by security forces. Hundreds more have been injured. The internet monitoring platform NetBlocks confirmed a near-total nationwide blackout over the past 24 hours, suggesting that authorities are using the communication cut-off to conceal the scale of the crackdown.

Amnesty International issued a statement warning that the comprehensive internet disruption is designed to hide "grave human rights violations and crimes under international law" committed during the suppression of the protests.

International reactions and Trump’s warning

President Donald Trump warned that "Iranian leaders are in big trouble," stating that military force remains an option if peaceful protesters are massacred. "It looks to me like the people are taking control of cities that nobody thought possible just a few weeks ago," Trump remarked. Meanwhile, the EU, Canada, and Australia issued a joint statement demanding that Tehran "immediately cease the use of lethal force."

In the United States, exiled royal Reza Pahlavi called on protesters to move beyond street demonstrations. "The goal is no longer just to be in the streets; it is to prepare to seize and hold city centers," Pahlavi stated, adding that he expects to return to Iran soon.

Khamenei breaks silence

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed the protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs" serving foreign interests. Accusing the protesters of trying to please the US President, Khamenei stated:

"The Islamic Republic was established with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. There will be no retreat against these saboteurs."

Khamenei also referenced previous attacks by the US and Israel, claiming that the blood of thousands of Iranians is on Trump’s hands.

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Soruce: DW