Tehran, Jan 10 (NationPress) The ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Iran have escalated, resulting in the tragic deaths of several protesters and causing a communication blockade in various regions of the country, as the unrest shows no signs of subsiding.

Reports from multiple media sources indicate that at least 62 individuals have lost their lives since the protests commenced in December last year.

As Iran grapples with these widespread protests, state media recently accused “terrorist agents” allegedly associated with the United States and Israel of inciting the violence.

Initially ignited on December 28, 2025, in two Tehran markets due to soaring inflation and a significant drop in the rial's value, the protests have since morphed into a nationwide uprising.

These demonstrations reflect a rising discontent towards the clerical regime led by Khamenei, amidst economic hardships and widespread public dissatisfaction.

While Iranian state media had largely refrained from commenting on the death toll related to the uprising, it recently broke its silence, acknowledging that there have been “casualties”, though without providing specific details.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that over 65 people have been killed in the protests, which entered their 13th day on January 9, and at least 2,311 individuals have been detained.

According to the report, protests have spread across 512 locations in 180 cities throughout all 31 provinces of Iran.

In a nationwide address on Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly criticized President Trump, labeling him as “arrogant” and accusing him of having “blood-stained hands” regarding the Iranian populace.

Khamenei claimed that the US President would eventually be “overthrown” and urged him to focus on issues within his own country instead.

Indicating a harsher approach from security forces towards protesters, Khamenei openly challenged Trump’s commitment to support peaceful demonstrators.

Dismissing Trump’s position, Khamenei asserted that the US President’s hands were “stained with the blood of Iranians”, as chants of “Death to America!” echoed in footage aired by Iranian state television.

“Protesters are destroying their own streets … to appease the President of the United States,” said the 86-year-old leader while addressing his supporters in Tehran.

“He claimed he would come to their aid. He should focus on the state of his own nation instead.”

Khamenei also shared a series of messages on X, critiquing Trump and his foreign actions, including those in Venezuela, which he alleged were motivated by oil interests.

Additionally, he claimed that over a thousand Iranians were killed during a 12-day war in June under Trump’s orders.

“In the 12-Day War, more than a thousand of our citizens were martyred. Trump admitted he ordered this. Thus, he confessed to having Iranian blood on his hands. Yet, he claims to stand with the Iranian nation!” Khamenei stated in another post.

Meanwhile, Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday urged Trump for immediate intervention as protests persist across the Islamic Republic.

“Mr. President, this is an urgent call for your attention, support, and action,” Pahlavi expressed in a social media post. “Please be ready to intervene to assist the people of Iran.”

Pahlavi has been actively utilizing social media to encourage Iranians to rise against the clerical regime under Khamenei.

A large turnout of individuals took to the streets on Thursday and Friday following his appeal.

Amidst anti-government chants, protesters were also heard expressing support for Pahlavi and advocating for his return to Iran.

Pahlavi’s father was the last king of Iran, having fled the country just months before the monarchy was dismantled during the Islamic Revolution of 1979.