Extremist Iranian Cleric: Trump Should Expect ‘Hard Revenge’

A hardline cleric leading Friday prayers in Tehran called for the execution of protesters detained during Iran’s nationwide crackdown and issued direct threats against President Trump, underscoring the fury among Iranian authorities as demonstrations continue to challenge the Islamic Republic’s rule.

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, speaking in a sermon broadcast on Iranian state radio, urged harsh punishment for demonstrators and prompted chants from worshippers, including calls for death sentences. The protests, which began on Dec. 28 over Iran’s struggling economy, quickly expanded into broader opposition to the country’s ruling theocracy, according to the Associated Press.

President Trump has warned that the execution of protesters or the killing of peaceful demonstrators would cross red lines that could trigger U.S. military action. Iranian authorities shut down internet access on Jan. 8 and intensified a sweeping crackdown on dissent. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 2,677 people have been killed.

Khatami, who was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and serves on both Iran’s Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council, accused protesters of acting as agents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “soldiers of Trump.” He claimed their goal was to destabilize the country. Addressing Netanyahu and President Trump, Khatami warned they should expect “hard revenge” and said, “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace.”

Known for his uncompromising positions, Khatami has previously defended a longstanding fatwa calling for the death of writer Salman Rushdie and has issued threats against Israel, including a 2018 claim that Iran could destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa with its missile capabilities.

His remarks came as international leaders sought to ease rising regional tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation remains highly tense and that Putin continues efforts to help de-escalate the conflict.

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