Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called anti-government protesters 'troublemakers' and 'a bunch of vandals' just trying 'to please the president of the US'. He accused crowds of destroying buildings because Donald Trump said he 'supports you'. Trump has warned Iran that if it kills protesters, the US would 'hit' the country 'very hard'.
The protests, in their 13th day, erupted over the economy and have grown into the largest in years - leading to calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and some urging the restoration of the monarchy.
At least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed, according to human rights groups, with an internet blackout currently in place.
Khamenei remained defiant in a televised address on Friday, asserting, 'Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of several hundred thousand honorable people and it will not back down in the face of those who deny this.'
Since the protests began on December 28, in addition to the fatalities, more than 2,277 individuals have been arrested, the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) noted that at least 51 protesters, including nine children, had been killed.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on Friday expressing zero tolerance for the ongoing unrest. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, has called on Trump to prepare to intervene to help the Iranian people.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with video verification showcasing demonstrations in over 67 locations. With further evidence, the internet blackout has hindered communication and raised fears of an escalation in police violence against demonstrators. Reports of supermarket runs in Shiraz indicate an atmosphere of impending crisis among residents.
The protests stem from dissatisfaction with the economy, resembling previous large-scale demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody last year, where security forces reportedly killed over 550 individuals.
The protests, in their 13th day, erupted over the economy and have grown into the largest in years - leading to calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and some urging the restoration of the monarchy.
At least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed, according to human rights groups, with an internet blackout currently in place.
Khamenei remained defiant in a televised address on Friday, asserting, 'Let everyone know that the Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of several hundred thousand honorable people and it will not back down in the face of those who deny this.'
Since the protests began on December 28, in addition to the fatalities, more than 2,277 individuals have been arrested, the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) noted that at least 51 protesters, including nine children, had been killed.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on Friday expressing zero tolerance for the ongoing unrest. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, has called on Trump to prepare to intervene to help the Iranian people.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with video verification showcasing demonstrations in over 67 locations. With further evidence, the internet blackout has hindered communication and raised fears of an escalation in police violence against demonstrators. Reports of supermarket runs in Shiraz indicate an atmosphere of impending crisis among residents.
The protests stem from dissatisfaction with the economy, resembling previous large-scale demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody last year, where security forces reportedly killed over 550 individuals.
