Cyprus Times

Khamenei Denounces Iran Protests as 'Terrorist Acts', Blames Trump

Published January 9, 2026, 11:11
Khamenei Denounces Iran Protests as 'Terrorist Acts', Blames Trump

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has condemned the ongoing protests in the country, labeling them as "terrorist acts" and accusing the protesters of seeking to appease former US President Donald Trump. Khamenei's speech comes amid a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities, triggered by rising living costs and the collapse of the currency. According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), at least 34 protesters – including five children – and eight security forces have been killed, with over 2,270 arrests. Iran Human Rights (IHR) reports an even higher death toll, at least 45 protesters, also including eight children. BBC Persian has confirmed the deaths of 22 individuals, while Iranian authorities acknowledge only six deaths among security personnel.