Tehran, Iran. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during recent protests. In a speech on Saturday, he said some were killed “in an inhuman, savage manner” and blamed the United States for the deaths.
Khamenei’s remarks and accusations
Khamenei said, according to Iranian state media, that “those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand.” He added: “We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation.”
Death toll claims and reporting constraints
A violent response to the unrest has claimed 3,090 lives, according to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), while some activist groups have put the death toll far higher. An internet blackout has made it extremely difficult to obtain clear information.
Protests, government response, and verified footage
The protests began on 28 December over the economy and have turned into calls for an end to the rule of Iran’s supreme leader. The Iranian government has described the demonstrations as “riots” backed by Iran’s enemies.
Protesters have been met with deadly force, and videos of security forces shooting at demonstrations have been authenticated by BBC Persian and BBC Verify.
US statements and internet shutdown
US President Donald Trump recently urged Iranian demonstrators to “keep protesting” and threatened military intervention if security forces kill them.
Iran has also experienced a near-total shutdown of internet and communication services. On Saturday, overall connectivity remained at about 2% of ordinary levels, according to cyber monitor NetBlocks.
What impact do you think the internet shutdown has on verifying information about the protests?