Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Iran Protests: Death Toll Rises, Leadership Clashes
There have been big protests in Iran because people are upset about money problems and want changes in the government.
The leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, says that many people have died, including some security forces, and that the protests are being supported by foreign countries.
He also said that Iran won't start a war but will punish those responsible.
The former U.S. President, Donald Trump, has been criticizing Khamenei and calling for new leadership in Iran.
He says that the Iranian government is using too much force against the protesters.
Both sides are blaming each other, and it's making the situation very tense.
The judiciary in Iran has also warned that they might execute some people who were involved in the protests.
At least 5,000 people have been killed in Iranian protests, including about 500 security personnel.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the U.S. and Israel of organizing the violence and acknowledged several thousand deaths.
Khamenei stated that Iran will not drag the country into war but will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished.
Donald Trump called for new leadership in Iran and blamed Khamenei for the destruction and violence.
The Iranian judiciary hinted at executions for 'Mohareb' offenses, which is punishable by death under Iranian law.
- Who
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump, Iranian protesters, and security forces
- What
- Protests and violent crackdown in Iran, with accusations and threats exchanged between Iranian leadership and the U.S.
- When
- Protests erupted on December 28, with ongoing developments in January
- Where
- Iran, with significant clashes in Kurdish areas
- Why
- Protests initially over economic hardship, escalated into calls for the end of clerical rule, with both sides blaming foreign involvement
- Death Toll
- At least 5,000 people killed, including 500 security personnel
- Protest Cause
- Economic hardship and political grievances
- Khamenei's Stance
- No plans for war, but will punish domestic and international criminals
- Trump's Stance
- Calls for new leadership in Iran and condemns Khamenei's rule
- Foreign Involvement
- Iran accuses U.S. and Israel of organizing violence
- Judiciary's Warning
- Executions may proceed for 'Mohareb' offenses
- Kurdish Areas
- Heaviest clashes and highest number of deaths
Sources
‘Criminal’: Khamenei Targets Trump as Iran Leader Admits ‘Several Thousand’ Died in Protests
'Time To Look For New Leadership': Trump Calls For End To Ayatollah Khamenei's Rule in Iran
'Time For New Leadership': Trump Calls For End To Khamenei's Rule In Iran
‘It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,’ says Trump, calls Khamenei a ‘sick man’
Iranian official says verified deaths in Iran protests reaches at least 5,000
Iran Dismisses US Claim Of Planned Attacks On American Bases, Warns Of 'Firm' Response
At least 5,000 killed in Iranian unrest, official says, as judiciary hints at executions
Iran slams US 'war scare', warns of decisive response
Iran protests leave over 5,000 dead amid crackdown, including 500 security forces