Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Authorizes Force Against Protesters to Protect Regime

In the wake of widespread protests across Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei authorized a forceful response to dissent in a significant speech on January 9, 2026. The unrest, sparked by public dissatisfaction with the regime, saw over 5,000 protesters reported dead, with estimates from opposition sources suggesting the toll could be as high as 12,000.

Khamenei’s Response to Protesters

In his address, delivered in Qom and broadcast nationally, Khamenei dismissed protesters as “rioters” and “fools.” He asserted that the Islamic regime, established following the 1979 revolution, would not retreat from its authority, emphasizing that it arose from the sacrifices of “hundreds of thousands of noble martyrs.” His rhetoric was perceived as a green light for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces to employ lethal force against the protesters.

Government Crackdown and Public Fear

The speech coincided with a nationwide communications blackout, exacerbating fears of government retaliation. Following the speech, incidents of violence against civilians surged. The regime has characterized the protests as a foreign-funded conspiracy, particularly targeting the United States and Israel.

Khamenei’s Allegations Against Protesters

Khamenei claimed that protest participants are mercenaries acting on behalf of foreign powers, rather than genuine representatives of the Iranian youth. He contended that the true young Iranians are religiously devoted fighters who support the regime. By this distinction, Khamenei aimed to delegitimize the protesters’ grievances, portraying them instead as traitors to the nation.

• Casualty Estimates: Regime acknowledges over 5,000 dead; opposition claims up to 12,000.
• Internet Blackout: Nationwide communications outage reported during the height of protests.
• Threats of Repression: Khamenei’s statements seen as justification for violent suppression of dissent.

Statements from Military and Judiciary Officials

Military leaders echoed Khamenei’s sentiments. On January 13, Iranian Army Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi referred to the protesters as “ISIS terrorists,” emphasizing a commitment to suppress dissent. The judiciary also reinforced this crackdown, with calls for rapid trials against those deemed rioters.

Significantly, days before Khamenei’s speech, judiciary head Gholam-Hosseini Mohseni-Eje’i ordered accelerated trials for those arrested during the protests, stating there would be “no leniency” for the accused. Reports also indicated that authorities had planned to execute Erfan Soltani, a protester, though his execution was temporarily halted following international pressure.

Khamenei’s Broader Narrative

Khamenei’s rhetoric was also aimed at reinforcing the regime’s anti-West narrative. He stated that Iran’s struggle is an “Islamic war against its enemies” and predicted the demise of U.S. leadership, ultimately likening President Trump to historical tyrants. His comments were strategically designed to rally support and unify the populace under the regime’s ideological framework.

This situation reflects a complex interplay of internal discontent and governmental repression, with Khamenei’s declarations marking a pivotal moment in the Iranian regime’s approach to dissent. The upcoming months will be critical as the regime responds to ongoing unrest while striving to maintain its grip on power.