Iran’s Supreme Leader tells Trump to focus on his own country’s issues

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday told US President Donald Trump to focus on the problems in his own country.

Earlier, Trump had said that the US was watching the situation in Iran “very closely.” He warned, “If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.”

Iranians held their largest protests so far in a nearly two-week movement, sparked by anger over the rising cost of living. Videos from Friday showed protesters chanting slogans including “death to the dictator” and setting fire to official buildings.

The internet monitor Netblocks reported that authorities had imposed a complete connectivity blackout late Thursday. By early Friday, the country had been “offline for 12 hours … in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests.”

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 34 protesters and four security personnel killed, while around 2,200 people were arrested during the unrest. Analysts say the protests show deeper frustration and disillusionment with the current situation in the country.

Authorities have tried a mixed approach in responding to the protests. They stated that demonstrations over economic issues are legitimate and would be addressed through dialogue. At the same time, they used tear gas in some areas during violent street clashes.

The protests highlight growing public anger in Iran, while the government faces pressure both from within and from international observers.

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