January 2nd, 2018 
(CNN) — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Iran’s “enemies” on Tuesday for stirring up unrest in the country, as the death toll from days of anti-government protests climbed to 21.
In his first remarks since the demonstrations erupted last Thursday, Khamenei accused the nation’s enemies of “joining forces” and blamed them for the protests that have turned violent.
“The enemy is waiting for an opportunity, for a flaw, through which they can enter. Look at these events over the last few days. All those who are against the Islamic Republic — those who have money, those who have the politics, those who have the weapons, those who have the intelligence — they have all joined forces in order to create problems for the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution,” he said, without naming any particular country.
Key developments
– Nine people were killed on Monday, including seven protesters, state media reports, taking the toll to 21.
– 450 people have been arrested in the past three days.
– Iranian President Rouhani slammed US President Donald Trump for tweeting his support for protesters.
– Trump called the Iranian government “brutal and corrupt” in a second tweet Tuesday.
– Authorities have restricted the apps Instagram and Telegram but users are accessing them with VPNs.
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