04.01.2026 12:30
As protests continue in Iran, President Trump's threat of "We are ready to shoot" has greatly alarmed the Tehran administration. Fearing that street protests could turn into a civil war, the Tehran government has cut off the internet to prevent the public from seeing the truth. Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also made a notable statement regarding the protests, in which at least 10 people have died.
Protests that began due to the high depreciation of the national currency against foreign exchange rates and economic problems in Iran have been ongoing for days.
THEY CUT OFF THE INTERNET
The series of statements made by the US and Israel to fuel chaos through the protests also prompted the Tehran administration to take action. The Tehran government's move to cut off the internet to hide the events from the public and prevent the people from being aware of developments in the streets has caused a significant backlash in the country.
The government did not make a specific statement regarding the recent slowdown in the context of the protests, but Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi stated in an interview with reporters that Iran repelled one of the largest cyber attacks in recent history on Sunday, which may have contributed to the limited internet bandwidth.
STRIKING STATEMENT FROM KHAMENEI
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a statement regarding the protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, stated that the economic demands leading to protests in the country are legitimate, but stricter measures should be taken against groups that seek to make the country unsafe.
"TRADERS HAVE A RIGHT TO COMPLAIN"
Khamenei emphasized that the economic demands are legitimate and noted that the depreciation of the rial and the instability in exchange rates negatively affect the business environment. He conveyed that the complaints of traders are justified, stating that President Masoud Pezeshkian, among others, is making efforts to resolve this issue.
Khamenei argued that the increase in the exchange rate is related to the intervention of Iran's "enemies," saying, "The unexplained increase and instability in the exchange rate are not natural; they are the work of the enemy. It should be recognized as the enemy's work. The enemy does not remain idle and takes advantage of every opportunity. They saw an opportunity here and wanted to take advantage of it. Of course, our officials were on the ground and will be." he said.
"THE CHAOS-MAKERS MUST BE TAUGHT THEIR LIMITS"
Khamenei stated that there should be a distinction between protesters and those trying to create chaos, saying, "Protesting is appropriate, but protesting is different from creating chaos. We talk to those who protest, but there is no point in talking to those who create chaos. The chaos-makers must be taught their limits." he said.
Khamenei added, "What is important is to stand against the enemy with full force when one feels that the enemy wants to impose something on the country, the authorities, the government, and the nation. We will not take a step back in the face of the enemy. Trusting in Almighty God, with our faith in the support of the people, with God's permission, we will, with divine success, bring the enemy to its knees together with our people." he stated.
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests initiated by traders in the Tehran Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, due to the high depreciation of the national currency against foreign exchange rates and economic problems spread to many cities in the country. Following the start of the protests, President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the public's dissatisfaction, stating that the government is responsible for the current economic problems and called on officials not to blame external actors like the US.
During the protests in the Kuhdasht district of Lorestan province, a 21-year-old member of the Basij was killed on December 31, 2025, and 13 police officers were injured. It was reported that 2 people were killed in the protests in the Lordegan district of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province on January 1. It was also reported that 3 people lost their lives during an attack on a police station in the city of Azna in Lorestan province on January 1.