Iran is currently experiencing widespread anti-government protests that began in late December 2025 and have intensified across numerous cities and provinces. The demonstrations, initially sparked by severe economic hardship, inflation, and the weakening of the Iranian Rial, have evolved into broader calls for political change and criticism of the country's leadership. In response to the escalating unrest, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a public address, making strong statements against former US President Donald Trump. Khamenei labeled Trump as 'arrogant' and alleged his hands were 'stained with the blood of Iranians,' predicting that Trump would eventually be 'overthrown' like the imperial dynasty that ruled Iran before the 1979 revolution. Amidst the protests, the Iranian government has implemented significant measures to quell the dissent, including a near-total internet and international phone line shutdown to restrict the flow of information and communication among protesters. Reports from various human rights organizations and news agencies indicate that the crackdown has resulted in at least 42 deaths and over 2,200 detentions since the protests began. Khamenei has distinguished between 'legitimate' economic grievances and 'rioting,' vowing that those engaging in 'sabotage' will be 'put in their place,' a statement widely interpreted as a directive for security forces to take harsh action. The situation has drawn international attention, with former US President Donald Trump warning Iran against harming protesters and suggesting a readiness for intervention if violence escalated. Iranian officials, in turn, have warned against any foreign interference, declaring national security a 'red line'.