January 9, 2026
Khamenei says ‘will not back down’ as protests in Iran swell to biggest gatherings yet
Khamenei accuses Trump of ‘blood on his hands’ over US-backed strikes on Iran A handout photo provided by the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him addressing a meeting with local champions and medalists of the sports and world science awards in Tehran on October 20, 2025. PHOTO: AFP Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday insisted the Islamic Republic “will not back down” in the face of protests following the largest rallies to date in a nearly two-week movement that has shaken the clerical authorities. Chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and setting












