Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged Saturday that thousands died in recent anti-government demonstrations. This marks his first admission of the unrest's deadly scale. Khamenei accused the U.S. and Israel of fueling the violence.
The protests occurred this month. Khamenei claimed some deaths were brutal and inhuman. He offered no specifics but stated Iran possesses evidence of foreign involvement. He vowed punishment for those responsible, both domestic and international.
Khamenei blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for the deaths and damage. He accused Washington of seeking military, political, and economic domination over Iran. The death toll aligns with estimates from human rights groups, suggesting around 3,500 fatalities. These groups estimate over 22,000 detentions.
Trump told Politico that Iran needs new leadership. He accused Khamenei of destroying the country and using unprecedented violence.
Iran maintains it does not seek war. The situation remains tense amid ongoing accusations and international scrutiny.
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