The rights organization Iran Human Rights, headquartered in Norway, has confirmed that 3,428 protesters have lost their lives at the hands of security forces. However, the group cautions that the true number of casualties could be significantly higher.

During a televised speech on Saturday, Khamenei urged his followers, stating, “With God’s help, the Iranian people must overpower the insurgents just as they did in the past.”

Addressing remarks seemingly directed at Trump, Khamenei emphasized, “While we will not lead the country into war, neither will we allow those guilty of domestic or international crimes to escape justice,” as reported by state media.

In comments that appeared to respond to Trump, Khamenei said: “We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished,” state media reported.