When Khamenei speaks, Iran’s crackdown on protests hardens - analysis

Now that Khamenei has spoken, the crackdown will harden. Across three defining protest waves - in 2009, 2019, 2022 - the public record shows that when he speaks, the cost of dissent rises sharply.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with the families of Iranians who died during the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran, January 3, 2026.

(photo credit: KHAMENEI.IR)

ByALEX WINSTON

JANUARY 4, 2026 12:13

Updated: JANUARY 4, 2026 16:05

When Khamenei speaks, Iran’s crackdown on protests hardens - analysis

Now that Khamenei has spoken, the crackdown will harden. Across three defining protest waves - in 2009, 2019, 2022 - the public record shows that when he speaks, the cost of dissent rises sharply.

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When Khamenei speaks, Iran’s crackdown on protests hardens - analysis

Now that Khamenei has spoken, the crackdown will harden. Across three defining protest waves - in 2009, 2019, 2022 - the public record shows that when he speaks, the cost of dissent rises sharply.

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