Iranian Official Claims 5,000 Deaths in Protests, Blames Trump and Foreign Adversaries

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei admitted thousands died in recent nationwide protests, blaming Donald Trump for encouraging unrest and promising US military support.
• An Iranian official stated that authorities verified 5,000 deaths, including 500 security force members, attributing them to "terrorists and armed rioters."
• The official claimed Israel and foreign armed groups supported the demonstrations, particularly in Iran's Kurdish regions where deadly clashes occurred.
• Khamenei did not address allegations of excessive force by Iranian security forces, which human rights groups reported.
• Human rights groups like HRANA and Hengaw reported lower death tolls and significant arrests, with intense clashes noted in Kurdish-majority areas.

Why It Matters: Iran acknowledges thousands of protest deaths, blaming foreign interference while rights groups report lower figures and security force violence.