Top Iran prayer leader who dubbed protesters 'Trump's soldiers' calls for executions amid ongoing unrest

Fox News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete by Rachel WolfJanuary 16, 2026 at 04:19 PM

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A top Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, called for the execution of arrested protesters during a sermon broadcast on state radio. Khatami, appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, previously labeled protesters as "Trump's soldiers." He cited damage to religious sites, hospitals, and emergency vehicles, claiming protesters were acting against religion. The protests began in late December, prompting a nationwide internet blackout on January 8. Khatami's remarks follow President Trump's threats of U.S. intervention if violence was used against protesters. Trump has voiced support for the Iranian people, while Iranian leaders accuse protesters of acting on behalf of foreign powers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 30% Venezuela 30% Benjamin Netanyahu 40% Associated Press ×560% United States ×370% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 70% Donald Trump ×480% Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami ×590% Iran ×495%

Keywords

iran protests 100% death penalty 90% islamic regime 80% ayatollah ahmad khatami 70% u.s. intervention 60% religious leader 50% state radio 40% violence 40%

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Very Negative

Score: -0.80

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Fox News - World

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90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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