Jan 18, 2026, 4:14 p.mJanuary 18, 2026, 4:40 p.m
After threats from US President Donald Trump and personal attacks from Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, concerns about military escalation are growing. Trump spoke out in favor of a change of government in Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei had previously described the US President as a “criminal”. He blamed him for casualties and damage in recent mass protests. America must be held responsible, said Khamenei. The US State Department warned Iran against attacks on US bases and announced a decisive response in this case.
Shiites in Kashmir hold placards with the image of Iranian ruler Khamenei during protests against the USA and Israel. Image: keystone
Iran’s judiciary contradicted Trump’s claim that the executions of 800 people had been stopped. Trump gave this, among other things, as a reason for not resorting to military action. According to the state broadcasting agency Iribnews, Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi said: “Trump always talks a lot of senseless nonsense.” The judicial response will be decisive, dissuasive and rapid.
According to Iribnews, a justice spokesman said that no death sentences had been imposed so far in connection with the protests. This is “a rigorous and lengthy process” that could take months or years.
Thousands dead in crackdown on protests
Despite an internet blackout imposed on January 8, more and more estimates of the number of suspected deaths as a result of the violent crackdown by security forces are becoming public. The US-based activist network Hrana reported on the X platform that 3,308 deaths had been confirmed. A further 4,382 would be examined. At least 24,266 people were arrested.
According to information from the British newspaper “The Sunday Times”, 16,500 to 18,000 people are said to have been killed. Employees in eight large eye clinics and 16 emergency rooms in the country compiled the numbers. According to this, another 330,000 to 360,000 people are said to have been injured.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged for the first time on Saturday that thousands had died during the protests. Some people were killed in an “inhumane, brutal way”. The supreme leader blamed the “insurgents” for this.
All information cannot be independently verified.
Trump wants new leadership in Tehran
In an interview with the news portal Politico, Trump said: “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.” Those in power in Tehran based their rule on oppression and violence.
A new mural by Italian artist and activist aleXsandro Palombo in Milan shows US President Donald Trump sitting on a tombstone with the inscription “RIP Khamenei.”Image: keystone
Khamenei had previously accused the US President of personally intervening in the unrest and encouraging the “insurgents” to carry on and not be afraid.
Ayatollah Khamenei has been in power as the spiritual and political leader of the authoritarian Islamic Republic since June 1989, almost 37 years.
Speculation about a possible US attack
Trump’s statements immediately led to speculation about further US steps. Dan Shapiro, former US ambassador to Israel, wrote on X that Trump’s words on Politico and Khamenei’s provocations against Trump on The aircraft carrier formation expected in the region would make it easier for the US to carry out attacks and prepare for counterstrikes.
According to US media reports, the aircraft carrier “USS Abraham Lincoln” and accompanying ships are on their way to the region. Additional fighter jets and missile defense systems would also be relocated there. Officials in the region still believed an attack was possible, wrote the Wall Street Journal.
Iran experts warn Trump against a targeted killing of Khamenei. Israeli Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz wrote on X that it is extremely dangerous to target high-ranking leaders in the Middle East – especially religious leaders. Khamenei is not only a political authority, but also a religious symbol and ideological anchor of the Islamic Republic. An attack on him would have far-reaching consequences than a conventional military operation.
The United States would not be able to install a compliant leader in Tehran, Citrinowicz argues. At the same time, they would have difficulty preventing radical elements – especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard – from taking control of the state.
The protests began at the end of December because of the severe economic crisis and high inflation. They quickly developed into nationwide demonstrations against the political system. According to activists, security forces took extremely brutal action against it. (sda/dpa)