Khamenei’s Shock Admission: “Thousands Dead” in Iran as Trump Threatens “Very Powerful Force”

2. Brainx Perspective

At Brainx, we believe this unprecedented admission by Iran’s Supreme Leader marks a pivotal fracture in the regime’s facade of invincibility. By publicly acknowledging the massacre of thousands, Khamenei isn’t just admitting to brutality—he is signaling a dangerous new phase where the government explicitly frames its own citizens as “enemy combatants,” setting the stage for a potential conflict that could draw in global powers.

3. The News

In a rare and startling disclosure, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly confirmed for the first time that thousands of people have been killed during the recent nationwide protests.

Key Developments:

• The Admission: In a televised speech on Saturday, Khamenei acknowledged the massive death toll, stating that thousands had died, with some killed in an “inhuman, savage manner.” However, he deflected responsibility, blaming the unrest on the United States and Israel.
• The Death Toll: While Khamenei gave no specific numbers, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports at least 3,090 deaths, including 2,885 protesters. Unverified reports from opposition groups suggest the toll could be as high as 20,000.
• Blaming the West: Khamenei branded US President Donald Trump a “criminal” for the casualties and damage, alleging that “those linked to Israel and the US” were responsible for the violence. He further claimed on social media that America’s ultimate goal is to “swallow Iran.”
• US Response: The US State Department issued a stern warning on Saturday following reports that Tehran might be targeting American bases. It stated that any attack would be met with “a very, very powerful force” and warned the regime not to “play games with President Trump.”
• Digital Iron Curtain: The country remains under a near-total internet blackout, with connectivity hovering at just 2% of ordinary levels for over a week. This digital siege has made verifying details on the ground nearly impossible, though sporadic reports suggest security forces are patrolling major cities to maintain a tense calm.
• Military Posture: In a sign of rising tensions, US and UK forces have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a “precautionary measure,” though President Trump stated he has not ruled out military action.

4. “Why It Matters”

This development matters because it removes the “deniability” from one of the 21st century’s deadliest crackdowns. For the common man in Iran, the Supreme Leader’s speech confirms that the state views them as collateral damage in a geopolitical war. Globally, it pushes Washington and Tehran closer to a direct kinetic confrontation, where a single miscalculation could ignite a regional war.