At first, Iranian leaders’ rhetoric presented the protesters as people expressing “legitimate demands” due to economic problems, saying they should be listened to and distinguished from “rioters.” Since Friday, January 9, however, state media outlets, as well as political and judicial leaders, have labeled them “terrorist agents” who serve the United States and Israel. This rhetorical shift, which came in the wake of major demonstrations on Thursday, has paved the way for a bloody crackdown.

On Friday morning, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed his supporters, promising that the Islamic Republic “will not back down in the face of those who are destructive,” thus giving Iranin authorities a clear signal to intensify the repression. “Last night in Tehran and other cities, a bunch of vandals took to the streets and destroyed buildings belonging to their own country in order to please the US president,” he added, referring to Donald Trump’s repeated threats to bomb Iran if the authorities cracked down on peaceful protesters.

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