Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a tougher response to ongoing nationwide protests, warning demonstrators and blaming foreign powers as unrest continues across the country.
In a televised address broadcast on Friday, Khamenei called for unity against what he described as “terrorist actions” and reiterated that authorities would crack down on unrest that officials say is being driven by foreign enemies.
The remarks came as protests, initially sparked by economic hardship and a sharp fall in the rial currency, entered a new phase marked by internet blackouts, mounting deaths, and growing international attention.
Khamenei accused protesters of acting on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump and said demonstrators were damaging public property to please foreign powers.
He warned that Iran would not tolerate people acting as “mercenaries for foreigners” and accused Trump of having hands “stained with the blood” of Iranians.
State television footage showed an audience chanting “Death to America!” during his address.
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, separately vowed that punishment for protesters would be decisive and without leniency.
At least 62 people have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, including security personnel and protesters.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for restraint and urged authorities to listen to genuine grievances, while other officials have emphasized the need for firmness.
Authorities cut off internet access nationwide on Thursday, a move confirmed by Netblocks, which reported connectivity dropping to about 1 percent of normal levels.
Phone services were also disrupted, and airlines cancelled flights in and out of the country.
Despite the blackout, activists circulated videos online that appeared to show protesters chanting against the government amid fires and debris in Tehran and other cities.
Iranian state media alleged that “terrorist agents” linked to the United States and Israel were behind acts of arson and violence.
Reports from Zahedan indicated that a protest march following Friday prayers was met with gunfire, wounding several people.
Iran’s self-proclaimed “Crown Prince” Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile, appealed to Trump for urgent intervention and claimed protesters were responding to his calls to demonstrate.
Trump has reiterated warnings that the United States would respond if protesters are killed, while ruling out backing a specific successor to Iran’s leadership.