18-01-2026

Iran Protests: Thousands Killed, Regime Cracks Down

Date: 18-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 3 | news.sky.com: 1 | nypost.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a group of people protesting, with some holding burning photographs and others carrying flags. People are visible in the foreground and background, with two individuals prominently holding up burning pictures of a man. At least one Iranian flag is visible behind them, and other people are present around them. The image shows a protest or demonstration with people burning pictures and holding flags.

Summary

The Iranian government has faced widespread protests and violence, with thousands killed or arrested. The situation remains tense, with the international community calling for calm and restraint. The protests began as a response to economic hardship but have escalated into anti-government demonstrations, with some calling for regime change.

Key Points

  • Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged that thousands were killed during recent protests in the country.
  • Khamenei blamed US President Donald Trump for the violence, saying he is responsible for the unrest.
  • The protests were sparked by economic hardship and escalated into anti-government demonstrations.
  • The US has imposed sanctions on Iran, and Trump has been critical of the Iranian government's handling of the protests.
  • The Iranian government has cracked down on the protests, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for regime change.
  • The international community is concerned about the situation, with some calling for military intervention.

Articles in this Cluster

Iran's supreme leader acknowledges thousands killed during recent protests

The article discusses the recent protests in Iran and the government's response to them. It highlights the role of the IRGC and the Basij in cracking down on dissent and the impact of the economic sanctions on the country. The article also touches on the historical context of the protests and the government's efforts to suppress them.
Entities: Iran, United States, Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, ShiaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Iran's Khamenei says Trump is "guilty for the casualties" in anti-government protests - CBS News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed US President Donald Trump for the deaths and injuries of protestors during recent anti-government demonstrations in Iran. Khamenei described the protests as an 'American conspiracy' and accused the US of trying to dominate Iran. The protests began as demonstrations against economic hardship but quickly escalated into nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic's leadership. The Iranian government cracked down on the protests, shutting down the internet and arresting thousands. Sources estimate that between 12,000 to 20,000 people were killed. Trump expressed support for the protestors and threatened 'very strong actions' against the Iranian regime if it carried out executions. He later thanked the Iranian government for not following through on executions, citing 'very important sources'.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Islamic RepublicTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran’s supreme leader admits thousands were killed in protests supported by ‘criminal’ Trump | CNNClose icon

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged that thousands of Iranians were killed during recent anti-government protests, blaming US President Donald Trump for 'openly encouraging' the protesters. Khamenei called Trump a 'criminal' responsible for the casualties and damage. The protests, sparked by economic conditions, were met with a violent crackdown by Iranian security forces, with reports of government forces opening fire on protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates over 3,000 people were killed. Khamenei's comments came as Trump encouraged protesters to continue demonstrations and 'take over' the country's institutions, assuring them 'help is on its way.' Trump responded to Khamenei's comments, calling for new leadership in Iran and referring to Khamenei as a 'sick man.' The Iranian government has shut off internet connections, and over 24,000 protesters have been arrested, with some potentially facing the death penalty.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Iran, United States, TehranTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Graham calls for end to Iran regime as Erfan Soltani faces pending execution | Fox News

Senator Lindsey Graham has called for the end of the Iranian regime amid ongoing protests and the pending execution of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani. Graham expressed his sadness and concern over Soltani's fate, stating that the regime must fall and the Iranian people deserve a better life. The protests in Iran began in late December due to worsening economic conditions, and the regime has responded with violence, including a nationwide internet blackout. President Donald Trump has stated that the US is 'locked and loaded' to take action if the regime uses violence against demonstrators, and claimed that the killing in Iran had stopped. The fate of Soltani remains unclear, as does the prospect of US intervention in Iran.
Entities: Lindsey Graham, Erfan Soltani, Iran, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran supreme leader acknowledges thousands killed in anti-government protests | Fox News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during recent anti-government protests. The protests, which began in late December over economic conditions, later expanded into calls for an end to Iran's ruling system. US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 3,000 people were killed over roughly three weeks of unrest. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric, calling for new leadership in Iran and criticizing Khamenei's handling of the situation. Trump suggested that he was considering 'very strong options,' including possible military involvement. The situation remains tense, with Khamenei blaming the US for the unrest and violence.
Entities: Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, United States, BBCTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's Khamenei calls Trump 'criminal' amid deadly protests across country | Fox News

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled US President Donald Trump a 'criminal' amid ongoing protests in Iran, which have resulted in thousands of deaths. The protests, initially sparked by economic issues, have evolved into widespread anti-regime demonstrations. Trump has expressed support for the protesters and discussed regime change, with some Republican lawmakers urging military action. The US has cut off meetings with the Iranian regime until they stop killing protesters. The situation remains tense, with the Iranian government blaming the US and Israel for the unrest.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Iran, United States, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Rapper describes 'massacre' on Iran's streets - as supreme leader says thousands killed in protests | World News | Sky News

Iranian rapper Meraj Tehrani describes the violent crackdown on protests in Iran, stating that thousands have been killed and foreign forces have been brought in to quell the demonstrations. The protests, initially sparked by economic issues, have grown to challenge the ruling regime. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that 'several thousand people' have been killed. Tehrani, who witnessed the violence firsthand, believes the regime's days are numbered and criticizes the international community for not doing enough to support the protesters.
Entities: Meraj Tehrani, Iran, Ali Khamenei, UK, Alex RossiTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump doesn’t need to rely on the military to get things done — but it can be used if needed | New York Post

The article discusses President Donald Trump's approach to dealing with Iran, arguing that he doesn't need to rely on the military to get things done, but can use it if needed. Trump was criticized by the media for being a warmonger, but he ultimately decided not to launch a military strike against Iran despite initial indications that he might. The article suggests that Trump's decision was prudent and that he preserved the right to move at a more favorable time. The article also highlights Trump's interactions with Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his criticism of their handling of protests and human rights abuses.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran, United StatesTone: analyticalSentiment: positiveIntent: inform