Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled anti-government protesters as “troublemakers” and “vandals” during ongoing protests sparked by economic grievances, which have led to at least 48 deaths. He accused them of seeking to please former President Trump, who warned of severe repercussions if protester deaths continue. The protests, now in their 13th day, have escalated to calls for ending the Islamic Republic and restoring the monarchy, amid a near-total internet blackout. Human rights groups report over 2,277 arrests, with fears of increased violence as the government responds to the unrest.
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