Iran’s supreme leader signals harsher crackdown as protest movement swells

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by William Christou and Deepa ParentJanuary 9, 2026 at 02:18 PM

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signaled a harsher crackdown on growing protests, which began 13 days ago over economic conditions and have expanded to calls for political reform. Khamenei blamed the US for instigating the demonstrations, referring to protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs" working for foreign agendas. The head of Iran’s judiciary echoed this sentiment, promising decisive and maximum consequences for demonstrators. Despite an internet shutdown and escalating crackdown, protests continued across Iran, including in Tehran and Mashhad, with demonstrators chanting against the regime and in support of the exiled son of the late shah. The protests, sparked by currency depreciation, represent the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in years.