Iranian Cleric Calls for Executions Amid Protest Crackdown

Iran has returned to an uneasy calm after a series of protests that began on December 28, 2025, over economic grievances and escalated into anti-government demonstrations. The government's harsh response has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.

In a sermon broadcasted by state radio, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a senior hard-line cleric, called for the execution of detained protesters, labeling them as "butlers" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Trump's soldiers." He warned that Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump should expect "hard revenge from the system."

President Trump, however, expressed appreciation for Iran's decision to cancel the execution of over 800 detainees, stating, "I greatly respect the fact that they canceled." He did not specify his sources for this information.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported a death toll exceeding 3,000, marking the deadliest crackdown in Iran in decades. The Iranian government has not provided official casualty figures.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged the U.S. to intervene, expressing confidence in President Trump's commitment to support the protesters. Pahlavi stated, "I believe the president is a man of his word," and called for continued demonstrations.

In response to the crackdown, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), an Iranian Kurdish separatist group, has claimed responsibility for launching armed operations against Iran's Revolutionary Guard, aiming to defend protesters. The group has also provided financial support to demonstrators and assistance to those fleeing the country.

Amid the unrest, Iranian authorities have reported damage to 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and 20 other holy sites, as well as 400 hospitals and numerous emergency vehicles. The government continues to enforce an internet blackout, limiting communication and information flow within and outside the country.