Iran Security Chief Points Finger at US and Israeli Leaders
Iran's top security official has made a bold accusation against Western leaders. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, directly blamed US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the violence during recent protests in Iran.
Larijani took to social media platform X to make his statement clear. He wrote a post that named what he called the main killers of Iranian people. The post listed Trump first and Netanyahu second as those responsible for the bloodshed.
Protests Escalate into Major Challenge
The accusations come during a period of significant unrest across Iran. What began as demonstrations about economic problems has transformed into something much larger. The protests have now become a direct challenge to Iran's ruling clerical establishment.
Human rights organizations monitoring the situation report a harsh government response. Authorities have used lethal force against protesters according to these groups. They have also conducted mass arrests and imposed widespread internet restrictions to control information flow.
Trump Encourages Continued Protests
President Trump responded to the unfolding situation with strong words of his own. The US leader, who has frequently threatened Iran with military action, urged protesters to continue their demonstrations. He posted a message telling Iranian patriots to keep protesting.
Trump announced he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials. He said this action would continue until what he called the senseless killing of protesters stops. The US president promised help was on the way, though he provided no specific details about what form this assistance might take.
Iran Claims Control Amid Conflicting Reports
Iranian officials present a different picture of the current situation. They insist they have regained control after several nights of unrest. Government representatives describe the demonstrations as riots supported by foreign powers.
State media reports tell of dozens of security force members killed during the protests. Funerals for these personnel have turned into pro-government rallies according to official sources. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pointed to mass counter-demonstrations as evidence the protest movement has failed.
Death Toll Estimates Vary Widely
Different organizations provide conflicting numbers about the human cost of the protests. Norway-based Iran Human Rights says it has confirmed 734 deaths. The group warns the actual number is probably much higher than this confirmed figure.
Another organization based in the United States offers even more alarming statistics. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 2,003 people killed, including nine children. They say more than 16,700 people have been detained during the crackdown.
The director of Iran Human Rights, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, believes the real death toll likely reaches into the thousands. He emphasizes that accurate numbers are difficult to obtain given the information restrictions in place.
International Concerns Grow
Major international organizations have expressed serious concerns about Iran's response. Both Amnesty International and the United Nations have raised alarms about Tehran's use of the death penalty to suppress dissent.
Iranian prosecutors have announced plans to charge some detainees with "moharebeh." This term translates to "waging war against God" and carries the death penalty as punishment. Amnesty International warns that authorities may resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.
The situation remains fluid as international observers continue to monitor developments. The conflicting narratives from different sides make it challenging to determine the complete picture of what is happening inside Iran.
