Khamenei confirms thousands of deaths during protests

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has for the first time publicly acknowledged that thousands of people were killed during recent anti-government protests, as tensions between Tehran and Washington escalated over the unrest and Iran's nuclear programme.

Khamenei said that thousands had been killed, "some in an inhuman, savage manner," during the unrest. He blamed foreign actors for the violence, saying, "Those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand."

He also directly accused US President Donald Trump, saying, "We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation." In a post on social media, Khamenei said, "America's goal is to swallow Iran."

The US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has put the death toll at about 3,090, though other activist groups say the figure may be significantly higher. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty numbers, says the BBC.

The protests began on 28 December, initially triggered by economic grievances, before expanding into calls for the removal of the Supreme Leader. The Iranian government has dismissed the unrest as "riots" backed by the country's enemies.

Security forces used lethal force to suppress demonstrations, including firing on protesters, according to incidents verified by BBC Persian and BBC Verify.

Authorities also imposed a near-total internet blackout, at one point reducing connectivity to about 2% of normal levels, in an effort to disrupt communication and coordination. While reports of unrest have declined in recent days, security forces remain visible in some cities.

A resident of Shiraz, in south-western Iran, said that "security forces are still patrolling on motorbikes to keep the situation under control, but overall things have gone back to normal."

The crackdown has further strained relations between Iran and the United States. Trump has publicly urged Iranian demonstrators to "keep protesting" and has warned of possible military action if security forces continue killing protesters. On Wednesday, he said he had been told that "the killing in Iran has stopped."

Washington has also taken precautionary military steps. The United States and Britain have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, with anonymous US officials describing the move as a "precautionary measure."

The US State Department said it had "heard reports that the Islamic Republic is preparing options to target American bases," warning that any such attack would be met with "a very, very powerful force." It also cautioned Tehran not to "play games with President Trump."

The crisis has renewed international concern over Iran's nuclear programme. Trump has said Iran's nuclear capabilities have been "totally obliterated," while UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warned that "Iran could start enriching uranium within months."

Meanwhile, Iran's exiled crown prince has called on the international community to support protesters seeking to overthrow the current government.