politics

Iran’s Khamenei says US, Israel links behind ‘thousands killed’ in protests

17 Ocak 2026Al Jazeera

🤖AI Özeti

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the United States and Israel of being behind the protests that have resulted in significant casualties, claiming that 'thousands' have been killed. He described these foreign-backed protests as having caused 'massive damage' to the nation. Khamenei's remarks come amid ongoing unrest and highlight the Iranian government's narrative of external interference in domestic issues.

💡AI Analizi

Khamenei's statements reflect a broader strategy to frame dissent as a product of foreign manipulation rather than legitimate grievances. This rhetoric serves to consolidate power internally by uniting the populace against perceived external threats, while simultaneously deflecting criticism of the government's handling of protests. The emphasis on foreign involvement may also be an attempt to justify crackdowns on dissent and maintain a narrative of national sovereignty.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

The protests in Iran have been fueled by various socio-economic issues and political discontent, leading to widespread unrest. The government's response has been to attribute these movements to foreign adversaries, particularly the US and Israel, which aligns with a long-standing narrative in Iranian politics. This framing is often used to rally nationalist sentiments and suppress dissent.

This article reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Al Jazeera.