In an apparent warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shared an image of a deteriorating statue similar to Trump. The message implied that the U.S. president might experience the same downfall as historical despots. This cautionary message arrives amid growing tensions due to nationwide protests in Iran.
Trump declared a 25 percent tariff on nations transacting with Iran and consistently warned of potential military action to back the protesters facing a harsh government response.
On his official Farsi-language account, Khamenei stated that the “father figure who sits there with arrogance and pride” would encounter the same fate as historical tyrants like Pharaoh, Nimrod, and previous Iranian leaders Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza. He further stated that Trump “too will be overthrown” at the height of his arrogance.
Before Khamenei’s response, Trump hinted that Iran is eager for negotiations with the U.S. He claimed that Iranian leaders had approached him and a meeting was being arranged, although he maintained that military action could come before any diplomatic engagement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that all options, including airstrikes, are under consideration regarding Iran. However, she noted that diplomacy is the president’s preferred approach.
Protests in Iran began in late December in downtown Tehran due to escalating inflation and the declining value of the rial. The protests rapidly extended to 186 cities across 31 provinces, with 585 protest sites reported by activists.
According to Iran Human Rights, the death toll reached at least 3,428 protesters as of January 14, 2026. By January 23, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported the toll had risen to at least 5,002, including 4,716 demonstrators, 43 children, and 203 government-affiliated personnel.
Thousands more have been injured, as per the organization. However, the actual casualty count could be higher, as independent verification is currently impossible due to an internet blackout enforced by the authorities.
The Iranian government portrayed the protesters as armed rioters being spurred by the United States and Israel to create chaos. A mass funeral for 100 security forces was held near Tehran University, with authorities reporting that 109 security personnel had died in armed attacks during the protests.
During the government’s crackdown, monitoring groups have reported over 10,000 arrests. Iran’s judicial chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, indicated that protesters in custody would face expedited trials, stating to state media that swift action was essential for maximum impact.
Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester, faced potential execution as the first anti-government protester sentenced to death. His family was informed by prison authorities that his execution had been delayed, but human rights groups warn that hangings could occur.
Trump has previously warned of “very strong action” if executions begin, stating that Iran was “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before” and that the United States was ready to assist.
The State Department urged Americans to leave Iran, citing escalating protests and increased security measures. Airlines operating in the region implemented flight route adjustments as a precautionary measure amid the escalating tensions.
Tehran warned regional countries hosting American bases, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, that it would target these installations if the United States attacked Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that the situation was under control, urging Washington to pursue diplomatic engagement.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting 18 companies and individuals involved in Iran’s energy exports. Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security, along with other officials involved in the crackdown, was also sanctioned. Larijani was among the first Iranian leaders to advocate for violence in response to the protesters’ demands.
As tensions appeared to reach a peak, Trump softened his stance. He stated that he had been informed “on good authority” that the killings in Iran had ceased and that no executions were planned. Trump claimed that over 800 scheduled executions had been halted.
However, on January 23, 2026, Iran’s top prosecutor Mohammad Movahedi strongly denied Trump’s repeated claims about halting 800 executions, calling the claim “completely false” and stating “no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision.” The denial raised concerns about the fate of thousands of detained protesters.
Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, based in Iraq, said his group was prepared to back the protesters. However, he warned that the time for armed intervention had not yet arrived, fearing it could give the regime a reason to intensify its crackdown.
Hijri expressed a desire for international help, especially American airstrikes targeting suppression forces and judicial institutions. He cautioned that sending armed forces across the border without broader support could backfire and put peaceful protesters at risk.