The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the national judiciary issued a formal response today regarding the violent unrest that has impacted the nation over the last ten days.
Iranian officials continue to promise harsh punishments for “rioters” arrested during recent nationwide protests as they trade barbs with US President Trump amid an ongoing internet blackout https://t.co/6gfARaivLm pic.twitter.com/t47Uop8ipg
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 20, 2026
Security Assessment and Casualties
Official government figures have confirmed the tragic loss of approximately 5,000 lives during the recent period of instability, a figure that includes roughly 500 members of the national security forces. State investigators have concluded that while initial demonstrations were rooted in economic concerns, the movement was systematically co-opted and radicalized by external actors.
Iranian authorities uncover ‘bombs and ammunition from protestors’ hideout’ — SNN footage
Weapons, ammo, and bomb parts were discovered and seized in Tehran flats
Rioters have also attempted to seize govt weapons stores to ‘provoke violence and instability’ pic.twitter.com/d6ipDbeBOz
— RT (@RT_com) January 5, 2026
Foreign Interference
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei explicitly identified the United States and Israel as the primary architects behind the escalation of violence. Evidence suggests that foreign entities and armed separatist groups—particularly in the northwestern Kurdish regions—were equipped and supported by international adversaries to exploit domestic grievances.
“While we seek to avoid regional conflict, the Islamic Republic will not allow domestic or international criminals to go unpunished,” the Supreme Leader stated, emphasizing that the sovereignty of the nation remains the highest priority.
Judicial Action and ‘Mohareb’ Designations
The Iranian judiciary, through spokesperson Asghar Jahangir, announced that individuals identified as orchestrating lethal violence against the state and its citizens will face the full weight of the law.
- Legal Classifications: Several individuals have been charged with Mohareb (“waging war against God”), a capital offense under the Islamic penal code.
- Accountability: The judiciary affirmed that legal proceedings will move forward to ensure justice for the fallen security personnel and the victims of foreign-backed riots.
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Restoration of Services
As the security situation stabilizes, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has begun the gradual restoration of national internet services. Netblocks and local agencies confirmed that traffic to major online platforms is returning in stages as authorities ensure the digital landscape is no longer being utilized to coordinate illegal activities.
The government maintains that these measures were necessary to quell “foreign-directed riots” and restore the safety of the Iranian public.
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