Iran’s Khamenei Accuses U.S. and Israel of Links to Deadly Protests

Iran’s supreme leader claims foreign intelligence involvement in nationwide unrest as authorities cite thousands killed and mass detentions amid an extended internet blackout.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 17, 2026|Tehran, Iran

Tehran — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday accused the United States and Israel of playing a direct role in violence associated with recent nationwide protests, claiming the unrest resulted in the deaths of “several thousand” people.

Speaking on January 17, Khamenei blamed former U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as deaths and destruction tied to the demonstrations. He alleged that American and Israeli intelligence agencies trained and recruited agents inside Iran and that rioters were armed with smuggled weapons. According to Iranian authorities, the Ministry of Intelligence arrested approximately 3,000 individuals, while more than 22,000 people were detained nationwide during the unrest.

The protests began on December 28 over economic hardship and quickly spread across the country. In response, Iran’s government shut down internet and mobile services on January 8, citing security concerns. Rights groups and sources inside Iran have reported widely differing casualty figures, noting that the prolonged communications blackout has made independent verification difficult.

Khamenei said he instructed state institutions, including the Foreign Ministry, to pursue legal action against what he described as recent crimes by the United States. He emphasized that Iran would not initiate a war but would seek to punish those it holds responsible through legal and political means.

With internet access severely restricted for weeks and affecting an estimated 92 million people, independent observers have been unable to confirm the death tolls cited by Iranian officials. The United States and Israel have previously denied directing or supporting unrest inside Iran. As of publication, there was no immediate response from either government to Khamenei’s latest statements.

Sources

• Ground News summary based on Iranian state statements and protest developments
• Iranian government and intelligence ministry claims as cited in state remarks