Stop Betting on Mercenaries, Trump: Khamenei Warns as Iran Hospitals Overflow with Protest Victims

Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a strong warning to the United States amid intensifying protests in the country. Speaking out against Washington, Khamenei accused American leaders of attempting to destabilize Iran through proxy actors. “Foreign powers must stop betting on mercenaries within our country,” he said, referring to what he describes as US-supported operatives fueling unrest.

The statement comes as protests across Iran continue to escalate. The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic issues, have grown into widespread anti-government movements. Khamenei claimed that the United States and Israel are supporting the protesters, while US President Donald Trump has openly backed the demonstrators and threatened military action. Meanwhile, reports indicate rising violence, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.

Khamenei Highlights Government Support
On Monday evening, Khamenei posted multiple messages on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that the government enjoys popular support and that the protesters are failing. Sharing images of pro-government rallies, he wrote, “These massive gatherings, filled with courage, have completely foiled the conspiracies orchestrated by foreign enemies through domestic mercenaries.”

In another post, Khamenei added, “The great Iranian nation has demonstrated its determination and identity in the face of adversaries. This serves as a warning to American leaders to end their deceitful actions and stop relying on traitorous mercenaries. The Iranian nation is strong, vigilant, and always present in the field.”

Foreign Minister Accuses US and Israel
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also accused the United States and Israel of involvement in the unrest. He claimed that Iranian authorities possess documents and evidence linking both nations to recent violence. According to Araghchi, some victims were shot from behind under orders from foreign actors.

Casualties Overwhelm Hospitals
CNN reported that hospitals in Iran are struggling to cope with the rising death toll from the protests. In Tehran’s south, the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center has been receiving large numbers of bodies wrapped in black bags. Desperate relatives search for loved ones amid the chaos.

Despite the government’s internet blackout, videos have emerged showing crowds at warehouses and forensic centers identifying bodies laid out on floors and tables. Activist group Mamaleket reported that the sheer number of deceased individuals has forced authorities to convert some hospital and forensic rooms into temporary morgues, where bodies are lined up on floors and metal tables.

The situation underscores the severity of the unrest in Iran, as international attention remains fixed on the country’s escalating political and humanitarian crisis.