-Iran’s Supreme Leader Accuses Protesters of Trump Support
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused to the demonstrators protesting against his regime in different parts of the country of being “a bunch of vandals” trying to “please” the president of the United States, Donald Trump.
The Iranian leader’s words came in a message broadcast on state television as the wave of protests in which the country has been immersed for days intensifies.
Tehran, the country’s capital, and many other locations around the country have been the scene of protests that appear to have intensified in recent days.
Videos shared on social media have shown large groups of people marching and chanting anti-government slogans in Tehran and elsewhere. In the images you can see buildings and cars on fire.
According to the Human Rights Activists Agency (HRANA), a US-based NGO, more than a hundred Iranian cities have been the scene of anti-government protests in the last 13 days.
The BBC Persian service has been able to confirm the deaths of at least 22 people during the protests. HRANA raises that number to 34 protesters and four state security agents. According to this NGO, 2,200 people have been detained.
Several international airlines announced the suspension of their routes to and from Iran.
The situation in the country is difficult to gauge as its authorities prevent access to the BBC and other media.
They have also blocked internet access due to “the conditions in the country,” according to what the Ministry of Interaction saeid this Friday. In the last 24 hours, internet connectivity has been reduced to 1% of usual traffic, according to data from the NetBlocks agency.
“There will be no indulgence”
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Echoing Khamenei’s words, Iran’s supreme National Security Council, the country’s highest security body, warned that law enforcement “will have no leniency with saboteurs,” whom it accuses of being part of the ”destabilization plans of the Zionist regime (referring to Israel) and its godfather, the United States.”
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Donald Trump’s Statements on Iranian Protests
donald Trump, while President, directly addressed Iranian leaders regarding the treatment of protesters, issuing warnings and expressing support for the Iranian people. This occurred during widespread protests in Iran beginning in December 2017, sparked by economic grievances and political restrictions. the Council on Foreign Relations details the shift in US policy towards Iran during this period.
As of January 10, 2026, there have been no further direct public warnings from Trump regarding Iranian protests since leaving office in January 2021. Current US policy is outlined by the Biden management. The U.S. Department of State provides current information on US-Iran relations.
Iran-Israel Conflict and US Involvement (Summer 2023)
A twelve-day conflict between Iran and Israel occurred in the summer of 2023, escalating tensions in the region and involving indirect US participation. The conflict began with an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel in April 2023, in response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Reuters provides a detailed timeline of the events.
The United States provided defensive support to Israel during the conflict,including intercepting Iranian projectiles. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the interception of airborne threats.
As of January 10, 2026, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing proxy conflicts and continued tensions between Iran and Israel. Brookings offers analysis of the ongoing conflict dynamics.
Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program
The conflict and US involvement reportedly led to attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, though details remain limited and subject to verification. Reports from November 2023 indicated an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility. The New York Times reported on the alleged strike.
Prior to the conflict, Iran justified its nuclear program as a necesary investment in long-term security and technological advancement. The effectiveness of this justification has been questioned in light of the program’s vulnerability and the economic costs associated with it. the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provides reports on Iran’s nuclear program and verification activities.
As of January 10, 2026, Iran continues to enrich uranium, though at a reduced rate compared to peak levels in 2023. Negotiations regarding a renewed nuclear agreement remain stalled. The Arms Control association provides updates on the status of the Iran nuclear deal.