Overview
- In a state-televised address, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled President Donald Trump a criminal, blamed the United States for fomenting unrest, and for the first time said the protests left “several thousands” dead.
- Trump responded by calling Khamenei “sick” and saying it is time to seek a new government in Iran, after earlier telling demonstrators that help was on the way and noting military options were under review.
- President Masud Pezeshkian warned that any attack on the supreme leader would constitute a declaration of war against Iran, sharpening the risk of direct confrontation.
- Human-rights groups report thousands killed and mass arrests, with some estimates much higher, but independent confirmation remains limited by the internet blackout and tight information controls.
- Internet monitors NetBlocks and Cloudflare noted brief, partial restorations of service, as Iranian authorities and judiciary figures signaled harsh prosecution of detainees and repeated accusations of U.S. and Israeli interference.