Tehran Erupts in Protests as Khamenei Blames Trump for Unrest

Tehran has descended into chaos as anti-government protests ignited across the capital and other cities, with demonstrators setting fire to buildings and vehicles. This unrest has prompted the Iranian government to impose a blackout on internet and phone services, stifling communication as videos of the violence circulated widely. The protests, which began in December 2023, have been fueled by a deteriorating economy exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, alongside discontent over a recent conflict with Israel.

In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the protesters, branding them “vandals” and attributing their actions to foreign influence, specifically targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump. Khamenei asserted that the Islamic Republic, which came to power through the sacrifice of many, would not yield to what he described as U.S.-inspired chaos. “It will not back down in the face of vandals,” Khamenei stated, according to Reuters.

The protests were initially triggered by soaring inflation, which surpassed 40% in December, and a significant depreciation of the Iranian currency. Merchants were among the first to express their grievances, as economic hardship took a toll on livelihoods. Tensions escalated dramatically following a call to action from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, who urged citizens to rise against the regime.

As unrest continued into the night, protesters chanted “Death to the Dictator,” a phrase that reflects deep-seated frustration with Khamenei’s leadership. Social media footage verified by CNN depicted large crowds marching through the streets, emboldened by Pahlavi’s appeals for solidarity and further demonstrations. Trump, who had previously ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, expressed his support for the protests through a post on Truth Social, stating that Iran’s second-largest city was “under protesters’ control.”

On January 9, 2026, Pahlavi reiterated his call for protests, requesting Trump’s support to amplify their efforts against the Iranian government. He claimed that a total communications blackout had been instituted to suppress the demonstrators, suggesting that Khamenei was fearful of losing power. “You have proven and I know you are a man of peace and a man of your word,” Pahlavi wrote, urging the international community to pay attention to the plight of the Iranian people.

Human rights organizations have reported a growing death toll, now exceeding 40, with over 2,000 individuals detained by security forces. In response, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that consequences for the rioters would be “decisive, maximal, and without any legal leniency,” according to reports from ABC News.

The situation in Iran continues to develop, with authorities employing heavy-handed tactics to quell the unrest. As international attention focuses on Tehran, the stakes remain high for both the protesters and the ruling government, with the potential for further escalation looming if the demands for reform are not addressed.