Supreme Leader blames foreign powers as protests intensify nationwide
January 9, 2026: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation amid rapidly escalating protests, launching a sharp attack on US President Donald Trump, calling him “arrogant” and accusing him of having “blood on his hands.” Khamenei alleged that demonstrators were acting on behalf of foreign powers, claiming they were damaging their own cities to please another country’s president. He also asserted that Trump would be “overthrown” and should instead focus on domestic issues in the United States.
The remarks came after Trump issued repeated warnings to Tehran over any violent crackdown on protesters, saying Iran would “pay hell” if demonstrators were harmed. Trump claimed the situation in Iran was deteriorating rapidly and suggested Khamenei was seeking an escape route. The war of words unfolded as protests — initially sparked by economic hardship and the falling rial — grew into the largest anti-government movement in years, spreading across cities, towns and rural areas, with markets and bazaars shutting down in solidarity.
According to rights groups, at least 42 people have been killed and over 2,270 detained since unrest began on December 28 with the closure of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Authorities imposed a nationwide internet and international call blackout as demonstrations followed calls from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to take to the streets. Iranian state media blamed “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel for the violence, while unverified videos showed protesters chanting slogans and lighting bonfires. The true scale of the unrest remains unclear due to the communications shutdown.