Iran’s Supreme Leader Prepares to Crack Down on Protesters

As protests in Iran intensified, security forces are preparing for a crackdown on demonstrators. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused U.S. President Donald Trump of supporting the protests, claiming Trump’s hands are “stained with the blood of Iranians.” Amidst rising tensions, the death toll from the clashes has reached at least 62, with over 2,300 people detained.

Reasons Behind the Protests

The protests began over serious economic issues and quickly evolved into a significant challenge against the Iranian government. Protesters have voiced their frustration with chants such as “Death to the dictatorship!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!”

Khamenei’s Response and Threats

Khamenei, addressing a crowd in Tehran, labeled the protestors as “terrorists” while vowing a decisive response. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran’s judiciary chief, noted that any punishment for protesters would be “maximum and without legal leniency.” This rhetoric signals an impending and aggressive response from governmental forces.

Impact of Internet Blackout

• The Iranian government has imposed an internet blackout to stifle news about the protests.
• Despite the blackout, activists managed to share videos showing widespread protests.
• Reports suggest that the shutdown was aimed at concealing the government’s violent responses to demonstrators.

The Role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has publicly called for protests, marking a pivotal moment in mobilizing demonstrators. Pahlavi urged the Iranian people to protest on specific days, and many responded by taking to the streets. This has revived discussions about a potential return to a pre-revolutionary era.

International Reactions

President Trump has reiterated his support for the protesters. Following reports of violence, he emphasized that if peaceful demonstrators are harmed, the U.S. would respond decisively. However, official responses from the U.S. government regarding the current situation in Iran have been limited.

Current Situation and Future Outlook

With protests growing in scale amidst economic despair, Iran faces a critical juncture. Khamenei’s aggressive rhetoric and the government’s intentions for a crackdown threaten further violence in the coming days. The international community watches closely, awaiting developments as the protests continue to challenge Iran’s ruling system.