In a shocking admission, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has finally acknowledged the brutal reality that thousands have perished during the recent protests. This marks the first time he's publicly recognized the scale of the violence. But in a twist that's become all too familiar, he pointed the finger squarely at the United States, holding them responsible for the bloodshed.

Acknowledgment Amid Accusations

In a speech delivered on Saturday, Khamenei didn't mince words. He claimed thousands had been killed, some in ways he described as 'inhuman' and 'savage'. Iranian state media captured his fiery rhetoric, where he blamed the US for fanning the flames. According to the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the crackdown has claimed at least 3,090 lives. But who's to say the real number isn't even higher? With the government-imposed internet blackout, getting to the truth is like trying to catch smoke with your hands.

Blame Game: US and Israel's Role

Khamenei went on to accuse those linked to Israel and the US of wreaking havoc, causing destruction, and piling up the bodies. His words were sharp, declaring the US president a 'criminal' for the chaos and suffering inflicted on Iranians. The protests that erupted on December 28 over economic woes quickly morphed into cries for Khamenei's own ouster. However, Iranian authorities have dismissed these demonstrations as foreign-backed 'riots'.

Unclear Ground Reality

Reports of unrest have dwindled recently, but with communication channels throttled, who really knows what's happening on the ground? During his speech, Khamenei didn't hold back on his accusations against the US. He painted America as a looming threat, bent on consuming Iran whole. Meanwhile, Trump hasn't dignified Khamenei's remarks with a response. The White House remains tight-lipped.

Escalating Tensions

The US State Department, however, has sounded the alarms. They've caught wind of Iran's potential plans to target American bases. Their warning was clear: any such move would be met with 'a very, very powerful force'. Earlier, Trump had mentioned that he heard the killings in Iran had ceased, yet he didn't shut the door on military action.

As tensions simmer, the US and UK have quietly reduced their presence at Qatar's Al-Udeid air base. It's a cautious step in a region where nerves are frayed and every move is watched with bated breath.