Khamenei announced the burning of garbage cans by protesters in Iran to please the United States

The participants of the protest actions in Iran are acting in accordance with the wishes of US President Donald Trump. This opinion was expressed on January 9 by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei.

He recalled that during the 12 days of conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as as a result of US strikes on the territory of the republic in June 2025, more than 1,000 Iranians were killed, "not counting military leaders, scientists and prominent figures."

"This man (Trump — Ed.) said that he gave orders, <...> and then he declares that he supports the Iranian people," the Anadolu agency quoted Khamenei as saying.

Khamenei believes that the protesters are "short—sighted people" who believe Trump's statements and act "to please" him, including setting fire to garbage cans to earn his approval.

Internal protest: Iran's opponents are looking for a reason to interfere in its affairs

How serious is the scale of the popular unrest and what is the role of the United States and Israel in this?

On the same day, Iran's Supreme National Security Council accused the United States and Israel of organizing unrest in the country. Khamenei, in turn, said that the Iranian youth and the entire nation must maintain unity, which will allow them to defeat any enemy.

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