Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a series of defiant messages on his official X account, blaming the United States and President Donald Trump for inciting unrest and accusing protesters of destroying public property. He warned that Iran would not retreat, referencing the country's sacrifices and likening Trump to historical rulers who ultimately fell from power. The posts came as Iran remained under a sweeping internet blackout, which activists say is aimed at preventing images of growing protests from spreading and giving security forces cover for a crackdown. State media acknowledged the unrest, blaming foreign agents and promising harsh punishment for demonstrators, while videos shared before the blackout showed crowds chanting against the government. The protests have been fueled by economic hardship and calls from exiled figures, with international attention focused on the blackout and threats of consequences from the United States.