Iran’s Supreme Leader Says Protests Are Happening to ‘Please’ Trump

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Leily Nikounazar and Aurelien BreedenJanuary 9, 2026 at 11:27 AM

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the ongoing protests in a televised speech on Friday, dismissing them as acts of vandalism orchestrated to please President Trump. The protests, which began in late December due to economic grievances, have spread across the country, fueled by broader discontent with the theocratic government. Khamenei accused protesters of damaging their own country's buildings to appease the U.S. President, who has expressed support for the demonstrators. The Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts amid the growing unrest. Human rights groups estimate that dozens of protesters and bystanders have been killed in the clashes.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hengaw Organization for Human Rights 30% Iran Human Rights 30% HRANA 30% Amnesty International 40% United States 50% Tehran ×260% Donald Trump ×380% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×490% Iran ×895%

Keywords

iran protests 100% ayatollah ali khamenei 90% donald trump 80% vandalism 70% internet blackout 60% human rights 50% theocratic government 50% iranian rial 40%