Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Friday that the government would not concede to ongoing protests, accusing demonstrators of vandalism motivated by a desire to please U.S. President Donald Trump. Khamenei's remarks, delivered in a televised speech in Tehran, came as the government appeared to signal a potential escalation in its crackdown on demonstrators.

The Iranian authorities announced later that day that "saboteurs" would face severe consequences, a statement that followed President Trump's pledge to support protesters facing lethal force. The protests, which began in late December due to economic grievances, have expanded in scope and intensity, leading to fatalities.

In response to the growing unrest, Iran implemented a near-total internet blackout on Thursday, according to reports from internet monitoring groups that documented a sharp decline in connectivity levels within the country. Khamenei dismissed the protests as "wanton destruction."

The demonstrations initially stemmed from economic discontent, reflecting public frustration with rising prices, unemployment, and perceived government corruption. However, they have since evolved to include broader demands for political reform and a change in government.

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the government's response to the protests, citing reports of excessive force used against demonstrators. The organization has called for an independent investigation into the alleged abuses.

The Iranian government maintains that it is acting to restore order and stability, accusing foreign entities of instigating and fueling the unrest. Officials have asserted that the protests are being used as a pretext by Iran's enemies to destabilize the country.

The situation remains fluid, with the government's response and the protesters' actions determining the next phase of the crisis. The internet blackout continues to hinder the flow of information, making it difficult to independently verify claims from either side.