Iranian Cleric Calls for Protesters’ Executions, Threatens Trump and Netanyahu

High-ranking Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami demanded the execution of protesters during a sermon on December 29, 2023. He also issued direct threats against former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming them for the ongoing demonstrations in Iran. Khatami’s remarks reflect the Iranian government’s escalating response to protests that erupted over economic grievances.

Khatami, who holds significant influence within the Iranian theocracy and is a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the protesters as “butlers” of Netanyahu and “soldiers” of Trump. His statements, broadcast by Iranian state media, portrayed the demonstrators as pawns in a foreign plot to destabilize Iran. He warned, “They should wait for hard revenge from the system,” indicating the government’s intent to suppress dissent.

The cleric’s sermon followed a week of unrest that saw significant violence. Reports indicate that around 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, and numerous other religious sites were damaged amid the protests. Khatami also noted that approximately 400 hospitals and emergency vehicles, including 106 ambulances, sustained damage during the unrest.

In the wake of these demonstrations, which began on December 28 due to economic turmoil, the Iranian regime has intensified its crackdown. Thousands of protesters have been killed as the government attempts to quell the movement. Khatami described the protests as a U.S.-Israeli conspiracy, reiterating the regime’s narrative that frames dissenters as “terrorists” and foreign agents.

The chaotic scenes during the protests included rioters setting fire to buildings and vehicles, leading to a government response that has drawn international concern. Khatami’s call for executions highlights the regime’s hardline stance and its unwillingness to tolerate opposition. The response from the public attending his sermon was alarming, with chants demanding the death of those labeled as “armed hypocrites.”

As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant. With tensions heightened, both domestic and global observers are closely monitoring the Iranian government’s actions and the ongoing protests. The combination of economic distress and political repression has created a volatile environment that poses challenges for the ruling regime.

In contrast, Trump recently expressed gratitude for the absence of executions of detained protesters, a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. This diplomatic gesture underscores the complex dynamics at play as the Iranian government navigates internal strife and external pressures.

The future of the protests and the government’s response remains uncertain, but the calls for extreme measures from figures like Khatami suggest that the regime is prepared to take drastic actions to maintain control.