Iran crisis: Supreme leader issues stern warning, diaspora mobilises in Europe

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a defiant televised address on Friday, vowing no retreat in the face of intensifying anti-government protests that have gripped the nation for nearly two weeks.

As authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout and disrupted phone services to stifle the unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings, while Iranian opposition groups abroad amplified calls for change through rallies in European cities.

The demonstrations, which erupted on 28 December, initially centered on economic grievances amid a plummeting rial and inflation surging past 40%. However, they have swiftly evolved into broader demands for political reform, with chants like “Death to Khamenei!” echoing in major cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Zahedan. Verified videos show crowds marching, clashing with security forces, and setting fires to vehicles and public infrastructure.

State media reported several police officers killed overnight, while rights group HRANA documented at least 62 fatalities: 48 protesters and 14 security personnel.

Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology justified the communications shutdown as a security measure, sharply curtailing information flow from the country. International flights, including at least 17 between Dubai and Iran, were cancelled, further isolating the Islamic Republic. The blackout has drawn condemnation from global leaders, with the United Nations expressing deep concern over the loss of life and affirming the right to peaceful assembly.

Khamenei, Iran’s ultimate authority above the elected president and parliament, accused protesters of serving foreign agendas, particularly those of the United States and exiled opposition factions. “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. It will not back down in the face of vandals,” he declared, linking the unrest to U.S. President Trump’s influence. Tehran’s public prosecutor warned that sabotage or confrontations with security forces could result in death penalties.

President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier advocated a “kind and responsible approach,” offering limited financial aid to alleviate economic hardships. Yet, as clashes intensify, the regime’s response has hardened, reminiscent of past suppressions like the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which saw hundreds killed but prompted minor concessions on dress codes.

Trump, who authorized U.S. strikes on Iran last summer, escalated rhetoric on Friday: “You better not start shooting because we’ll start shooting too.” He expressed hope for protesters’ safety but distanced himself from exiled figures like Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of the late Shah, stating he was not inclined to meet him. Iran’s UN ambassador countered by blaming Washington for transforming peaceful protests into “violent, subversive acts.”

Reports and analyst assessments indicate that the U.S. and Israel are maintaining heightened military readiness in the region. These developments come amid speculation of a possible new round of preemptive military action, though no large-scale troop movements or carrier redeployments have been publicly confirmed.

Diaspora in Europe amplifies calls for change

The protests have resonated beyond Iran’s borders, galvanizing Iranian opposition groups in Europe to stage solidarity demonstrations. In Brussels, a hub for EU institutions, hundreds of supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) gathered at Schuman Square on Friday, just steps from the European Commission headquarters.

The rally, attended by current and former members of the European Parliament and Belgian lawmakers, denounced the regime’s crackdown and echoed demands for a democratic republic. Participants braved freezing temperatures to voice support for the nationwide mobilization that began with Tehran bazaar strikes.

Similar manifestations have emerged in other European cities. Reports indicate scattered gatherings in Paris, Berlin, and London, where exiled Iranians have organized vigils and marches to condemn the internet blackout and urge EU intervention.

The European Commission, in a midday briefing on Friday, expressed alarm over rising casualties and called on Tehran to restore internet access while upholding freedoms of expression and assembly.

Leaders from France, Britain, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning protester killings and demanding restraint.

Exiled opposition leaders, including Pahlavi, have urged Iranians to “take to the streets,” with social media posts amplifying the call despite domestic censorship.

Bloggers and online commentators have sharply criticized Western mainstream media for what they describe as insufficient attention to the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, accusing outlets of downplaying the scale and political nature of the unrest. However, major news organizations point to significant obstacles in reporting from the country, including the nationwide internet blackout imposed by authorities, the challenges in independently verifying user-generated videos circulating on social media, and the risk of content manipulation by various interested parties – including supporters of Pahlavi – through edited footage, overlaid audio, or recirculated old clips presented as current events.

Divided narratives: Western media and online activists clash over nature of Iran’s unrest

With agencies.

Caption: Supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran attend a rally backing the Iranian people’s uprising for democracy at Schuman Square in Brussels, Belgium, 9 January 2026. The demonstration takes place alongside a press conference presenting new information about the nationwide anti-government protests that began in late December 2025 across Iran despite a heavy crackdown. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET