Iranian Cleric Demands Death Penalty for Protesters Amid Nationwide Crackdown

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a hardline cleric leading Friday prayers in Tehran, called for the death penalty for protesters detained during nationwide demonstrations that began in December 2025 over Iran's economy and expanded to challenge the theocracy. His sermon, broadcast by state media, included threats against US President Donald Trump and accusations that protesters were aligned with Israeli and American interests. The protests have led to a severe crackdown, with reports of thousands of deaths and significant damage to religious sites, though casualty figures remain unverified.