Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, January 17, claimed that actors linked to the United States and Israel were responsible for killing “several thousands” of people during weeks of anti-government protests across the country.

Khamenei accused Washington and Israel of directly orchestrating the unrest, describing U.S. President Donald Trump as a “criminal” and alleging an unprecedented level of foreign involvement. He said protests that began over economic hardship were later hijacked by violent groups acting on outside orders.

An Iranian official told Reuters that authorities had verified at least 5,000 deaths, including about 500 security personnel, with some of the heaviest fighting reported in Kurdish-majority regions of northwest Iran.

Khamenei also accused protesters of widespread destruction, including the burning of more than 250 mosques and medical facilities. Authorities say around 3,000 people have been arrested since demonstrations began on December 28, 2025.

After an eight-day near-total internet blackout, officials have begun restoring messaging services nationwide, as Khamenei warned that those responsible for the violence would face consequences while Iran avoided escalation beyond its borders.