Khamenei Blames US, Israel for Iran Protests, Acknowledges 'Thousands Killed'

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged for the first time that 'thousands of people' have been killed in ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.
• Khamenei directly blamed the United States and Israel for inciting the violence and deaths, calling US President Donald Trump a 'criminal'.
• Protests began in late December over the falling value of the Iranian currency and have escalated into a widespread movement for political change.
• Human rights organizations estimate over 3,000 deaths and more than 22,000 detentions, with a near-total digital blackout since January 8.
• US President Trump has supported the protesters, called Khamenei a 'sick man', and urged for new leadership in Tehran.

Why It Matters: Iran's Supreme Leader blames US and Israel for protest deaths, acknowledging thousands killed amid severe unrest.