Iran's Khamenei Blames US and Israel for the many Killed' in Antigovernment Protests

Short Summary 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US and Israel of orchestrating recent antigovernment protests, claiming foreign-linked actors caused massive damage and killed "several thousands." He singled out President Donald Trump as personally involved, calling him a "criminal." This marks the first time Khamenei has cited a death toll in the thousands, aligning partially with rights groups' estimates. Authorities report 3,000 arrests and say protests, initially over economic issues, were hijacked by violent elements backed abroad. SMS services have been restored after an internet blackout.

Long Summary 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on January 17, 2026, directly blamed the United States and Israel for the violence during weeks of antigovernment protests, alleging that actors linked to both countries were responsible for killing "several thousands" of people and causing widespread destruction.

Speaking on Saturday, Khamenei described the unrest as a foreign-orchestrated "sedition," stating that those connected to Israel and the US "caused massive damages and killed several thousands." He accused US President Donald Trump of unprecedented personal involvement, labeling him a "criminal" and noting that, unlike previous protests, this time the American president was centrally engaged in the alleged plot.

Iranian authorities have consistently framed the demonstrations—sparked on December 28, 2025, by economic hardships and rising prices—as initially legitimate but later hijacked by violent elements equipped, financed, and trained by external powers, primarily the US and Israel. Khamenei vowed no escalation into war but promised that "domestic or international criminals" would face punishment.

The supreme leader's reference to "several thousands" killed represents a significant shift, as Iranian officials had previously acknowledged only hundreds of deaths, including security forces. This figure partially aligns with estimates from international rights groups, such as the US-based HRANA, which reports around 3,000 fatalities. Officials also confirmed approximately 3,000 arrests amid subsiding protests.

Khamenei highlighted alleged destruction, including the burning of over 250 mosques and medical facilities, reinforcing the government's narrative of foreign-backed sabotage.

Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas, reporting from Tehran, noted that while Khamenei's accusations echo Iran's longstanding position on foreign interference, the explicit casualty scale and emphasis on Trump's direct role mark new elements. "For the first time, he is giving a sense of the numbers of people killed," Atas said.

In a sign of easing restrictions, authorities restored nationwide SMS services on Saturday following an eight-day near-total internet blackout, described as part of a phased rollback.

The protests have heightened US-Iran tensions amid broader regional strains, with Tehran rejecting cooperation unless Washington alters its policies, including support for Israel. Khamenei's remarks underscore Iran's determination to attribute internal unrest to external adversaries as the situation stabilizes.