In an apparent warning to President Donald Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an image of a decaying statue resembling Trump. The post suggested that the American president would face the same downfall as historical tyrants. This warning comes amidst escalating tensions over nationwide protests in Iran.
Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran, and repeatedly threatened military intervention in support of the protesters who are dealing with a violent governmental response.
Khamenei, on his official Farsi-language account, wrote that the “father figure who sits there with arrogance and pride” would meet the same fate as historical oppressors such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and former Iranian leaders Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza. He added that Trump “too will be overthrown” when at the peak of his pride.
Trump indicated that Iran is interested in negotiations with the US shortly before Khamenei’s response. He stated that Iranian leaders had reached out to him, and a meeting is being scheduled, though he maintained that military action may precede any diplomatic engagement.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, reiterated that all options are on the table regarding Iran, including airstrikes. She also noted that diplomacy is the president’s preferred choice.
The protests in Iran started in late December in downtown Tehran over rising inflation and the falling value of the rial. Soon, the demonstrations spread to 186 cities across 31 provinces, with 585 protest locations reported by activists.
Iran Human Rights reported that the death toll had risen to at least 2,500 individuals, including 12 children under 18. Thousands more have been injured, according to the organization. However, the actual number of casualties could be higher, as independent verification is currently impossible due to an internet blackout enforced by the authorities.
The Iranian government described the protesters as armed rioters being incited by the United States and Israel to cause havoc. A mass funeral for 100 security forces was held near Tehran University, with authorities reporting that 109 security personnel had been killed in armed attacks during the protests.
Monitoring groups have reported over 10,000 arrests during the government’s crackdown. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran’s judicial chief, indicated that protesters in custody would face swift trials, stating to state media that swift action was necessary for maximum impact.
A 26-year-old protester, Erfan Soltani, faced potential execution as the first anti-government protester sentenced to death. His family was informed by prison authorities that his execution had been delayed, though human rights groups warn that hangings could happen soon.
Trump has previously threatened “very strong action” if executions begin, stating that Iran was “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before” and that the United States was prepared to assist.
The State Department issued a security alert advising Americans to leave Iran immediately, due to escalating protests and increased security measures. The alert suggested departing overland to Armenia or Turkey, and to plan for alternate communication methods due to the ongoing internet blackout.
In response to escalating tensions, the United States and the United Kingdom withdrew some staff from the al-Udeid base in Qatar as a precautionary measure. Iran then closed its airspace to most flights, while Germany’s Lufthansa announced it would avoid flying over Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice.
Tehran warned regional countries hosting American bases, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, that it would target these installations if the United States attacked Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that the situation was under control, urging Washington to pursue diplomatic engagement.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting 18 companies and individuals involved in Iran’s energy exports. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, along with other officials involved in the crackdown, were also sanctioned. Larijani was among the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the protesters’ demands.
Larijani, a close advisor to Khamenei, accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the main killers of Iranians in response to the sanctions.
As tensions seemed to reach a peak, Trump softened his stance. He stated that he had been informed “on good authority” that the killings in Iran had ceased and that no executions were planned.
Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, based in Iraq, said his group was ready to support the protesters. However, he cautioned that the time for armed intervention had not yet arrived, fearing it could give the regime a reason to intensify its crackdown.
Hijri expressed a desire for international help, particularly American airstrikes targeting suppression forces and judicial institutions. He warned that sending armed forces across the border without wider support could backfire and put peaceful protesters in danger.
