Khamenei Admits Thousands Killed in Iran Protests, Blames US

• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei admitted for the first time that thousands were killed in ongoing anti-government protests, some in an "inhuman, savage manner."
• Khamenei blamed the United States and President Donald Trump for the high death toll and called for strict punishment of protesters.
• Iranian authorities released footage purporting to show armed individuals among protesters, claiming evidence of foreign saboteurs.
• Another senior cleric, Ahmad Khatami, called for the execution of protesters, labeling them "butlers" of Israel and the US.
• Human rights groups report over 3,090 killed and 22,100 arrested, while Khatami claimed extensive damage to mosques, hospitals, and emergency vehicles by protesters.

Why It Matters: Iran's Supreme Leader acknowledged thousands of protest deaths, blaming the US, amid calls for protester executions.