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Supreme Leader breaks silence on protest deaths
Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged on Saturday that thousands of demonstrators were killed during recent nationwide unrest, describing some deaths as "inhuman and savage." The admission marks the first official recognition of the scale of casualties since protests erupted in late December.
Death toll disputed amid internet blackout
The US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has documented 3,090 fatalities, though some activist groups suggest the number could be significantly higher. A near-total internet shutdown-with connectivity plummeting to just 2% of normal levels, according to cybersecurity monitor NetBlocks-has severely hindered independent verification of events on the ground.
Videos showing security forces firing on protesters have been authenticated by BBC Persian and BBC Verify, despite the government's characterization of the demonstrations as "riots" orchestrated by foreign adversaries.
Khamenei accuses US of fueling unrest
In his Saturday speech, Khamenei directly blamed the United States for the violence, labeling President Donald Trump a "criminal" and vowing to hold the US "accountable" for the unrest. He claimed on social media that America's "goal is to swallow Iran," though he provided no evidence for the allegation.
Trump has publicly encouraged Iranian protesters, urging them to "keep protesting" and warning of potential military intervention if security forces escalate lethal crackdowns. The White House has not responded to Khamenei's latest remarks, but the BBC has sought comment.
US warns Iran against targeting American assets
The US State Department revealed on Saturday that intelligence reports suggest Iran is preparing options to strike American military bases. A spokesperson warned Tehran that any attack would be met with "a very, very powerful force" and cautioned against "playing games with President Trump."
Trump himself claimed earlier this week that he had been informed "the killing in Iran has stopped," though he did not rule out military action. His remarks followed the partial withdrawal of US and UK personnel from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, described by officials as a "precautionary measure."
Protests wane but repression persists
Reports of unrest have diminished in recent days, though internet restrictions continue to obscure developments inside Iran. A resident of Shiraz told BBC Persian that while "security forces are still patrolling on motorbikes," daily life has largely returned to normal under heavy surveillance.
The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, evolved into calls for the end of Khamenei's rule. The government has framed the movement as a foreign-backed conspiracy, dismissing demands for systemic change.
