Khamenei blames US as Iran protests grow

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed anti-government protesters as “troublemakers” acting to please the United States, as nationwide unrest entered its 13th day.

Iran also sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council, accusing Washington of fuelling what it called violent acts. US President Donald Trump said Iran was “in big trouble” but ruled out deploying troops.

The protests began over economic hardship and have expanded into calls to end the Islamic Republic. Human rights groups say at least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have been killed. Authorities have imposed a near-total internet blackout as security warnings intensify.