Iran Anti-Government Protests 2026: Khamenei Accuses Trump of 'Bloody Hands'

The streets of Tehran are burning, and the blame is being cast across the ocean. On January 9, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out at US President Donald Trump, claiming the American leader has "blood on his hands" regarding the mass protests rocking the Islamic Republic. According to Al Jazeera, Khamenei's address on state TV labeled protesters as 'mercenaries' for foreign foes.

Iran Anti-Government Protests 2026 and the Trump Connection

The unrest, which began on December 28, was sparked by severe economic hardship and a sharp slide in the rial currency. However, Khamenei framed the situation as a foreign-led plot. He argued that protesters are ruining their own country just to satisfy President Trump. While Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for listening to "genuine" grievances, the overall state apparatus is signaling a heavy-handed crackdown.

A Digital Iron Curtain and Rising Casualties

Information coming out of Iran has slowed to a trickle as the internet blackout remains in effect. Flights have been canceled, and phone systems are reportedly down. Despite the cutoff, activist videos continue to surface, showing debris-littered streets and bonfires in the capital. Human rights monitors report that dozens of protesters have been killed, along with at least four security personnel.

The international community is watching closely. President Trump warned that Tehran would "pay hell" if they continued to kill protesters. Interestingly, he has ruled out meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince who has been vocal in supporting the demonstrations. This suggests that while Washington's rhetoric is strong, it isn't yet ready to endorse a specific successor government.