Iran’s Supreme Leader Condemns Protesters as ‘Vandals’ Trying to ‘Please’ Trump Amid Widening Unrest

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sharply criticized nationwide anti-government protests on Friday, labeling demonstrators as “vandals” and “saboteurs” who are **“ruining their own streets … in order to please” U.S. President Donald Trump — a point he used to argue that the unrest is driven by foreign influence rather than genuine domestic grievances. Khamenei’s remarks were aired on Iranian state television and made as authorities enforced a widespread internet and communications blackout to restrict information flow.

Khamenei accused protesters of damaging public property in Tehran and other cities with the intention of drawing U.S. support, and he framed the demonstrations as part of a broader plot by Washington to destabilize the Islamic Republic. He also denounced Trump with historic analogies, saying “arrogant rulers” throughout history had fallen at the height of their power and warning that the United States should focus on its own domestic issues.

The unrest began on 28 December in Tehran over Iran’s deepening economic crisis — including a collapsing currency, rising living costs, and chronic sanctions that have strained the economy — and has since spread to dozens of cities and towns nationwide. Demonstrators have broadened their demands beyond economic issues to include calls for political reform and, in some cases, opposition to the clerical system itself.

Human rights groups report that the protests have turned deadly, with rights monitors documenting dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests as security forces crack down on demonstrations. Independent verification of casualty figures remains difficult due to the blackout and state restrictions on reporting.

Khamenei’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Trump has issued public warnings to Iran against violent repression of protesters, threatening unspecified repercussions, while also leaning into messaging supportive of the demonstrators — a stance Tehran’s leadership has seized on as evidence of foreign meddling.

Iran’s judiciary, aligned with the supreme leader’s position, has vowed “decisive” and “maximum” punishment for those it deems responsible for unrest, signaling a tougher crackdown ahead as authorities attempt to regain control. Western leaders, including Germany’s chancellor and the U.K. and French heads of government, have simultaneously condemned reports of violence and urged Tehran to allow peaceful expression of dissent.

The developments mark one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s leadership in years, testing the resilience of the regime against persistent economic hardship and popular frustration.