Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a startling admission on Saturday. He publicly stated that 'several thousand people' lost their lives during this month's widespread anti-government demonstrations. This marks his first direct acknowledgment of the deadly scale of the unrest that has gripped the nation.
Khamenei Details the Violence and Points Fingers
Speaking during a public meeting broadcast on state television, Khamenei described the deaths in stark terms. He asserted that some of those killed died 'brutally and inhumanely.' However, he did not provide specific details or evidence to support this characterization of the violence.
Accusations Against the United States and Israel
The Supreme Leader leveled serious accusations against foreign powers. He directly blamed the United States and Israel for aiding in the killings. Khamenei claimed the Islamic Republic possesses evidence to back up this claim, though he did not present it publicly.
He also singled out former US President Donald Trump for criticism. Khamenei stated Trump was culpable for the 'deaths, damage, and accusations he has inflicted on the Iranian people.'
Iran's Stance on Conflict and Sovereignty
Despite the strong accusations, Khamenei sought to clarify Iran's position. He emphasized that Iran does not intend to push the country toward a full-scale war. However, he issued a firm warning.
The Supreme Leader declared that Iran will not allow criminals, whether domestic or international, to go unpunished. He framed the US policy goal as an attempt to place Iran under comprehensive military, political, and economic domination.
This public statement represents a significant moment. It is the first time the Supreme Leader has quantified the death toll from the recent protests, moving from general comments to a specific, albeit vague, number of 'several thousand.' The remarks underscore the severe tensions both within Iran and in its relations with Western powers.
