The country is currently under an internet blackout, making it difficult to get information from inside Iran about the crackdown on widespread protests. The U.S.-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates 3,308 have died and said they have confirmed 24,000 arrests.
“The Iranian nation must break the back of the seditionists just as it broke the back of the sedition,” Khamenei said in Saturday’s televised address. “We do not intend to lead the country to war, but we will not spare domestic criminals,” he added.
The protests started over economic concerns in late December and have since escalated, with many on the streets now calling for Khamenei to step down.
Speaking to POLITICO on Saturday, Trump said “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.”
