By JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader signaled Friday that security forces would crack down on protesters, directly challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to support those peacefully demonstrating.

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Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump as having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians” as supporters shouted “Death to America!” in footage aired by Iranian state television. State media later repeatedly referred to demonstrators as “terrorists,” setting the stage for a violent crackdown like those that have followed other nationwide protests in recent years.

Protesters are “ruining their own streets … in order to please the president of the United States,” Khamenei said to a crowd at his compound in Tehran. “Because he said that he would come to their aid. He should pay attention to the state of his own country instead.”

Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei separately vowed that punishment for protesters “will be decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency.”

There was no immediate response from Washington, though Trump has repeated his pledge to strike Iran if protesters are killed, a threat that’s taken on greater significance after the U.S. military raid that seized Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

Internet cut off

Despite Iran’s theocracy cutting off the nation from the internet and international telephone calls, short online videos shared by activists purported to show protesters chanting against Iran’s government around bonfires as debris littered the streets in the capital, Tehran, and other areas into Friday morning. Iranian state media alleged “terrorist agents” of the U.S. and Israel set fires and sparked violence. It also said there were “casualties,” without elaborating.

The full scope of the demonstrations couldn’t be immediately determined due to the communications blackout, though it represented yet another escalation in protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy and that has morphed into the most significant challenge to the government in several years. The protests have intensified steadily since beginning Dec. 28.

The protests also represented the first test of whether the Iranian public could be swayed by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose fatally ill father fled Iran just before the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi, who called for the protests Thursday night, similarly has called for demonstrations at 8 p.m. Friday.

Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.

So far, violence around the demonstrations has killed at least 42 people while more than 2,270 others have been detained, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

“What turned the tide of the protests was former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s calls for Iranians to take to the streets at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday,” said Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “Per social media posts, it became clear that Iranians had delivered and were taking the call seriously to protest in order to oust the Islamic Republic.”

“This is exactly why the internet was shut down: to prevent the world from seeing the protests. Unfortunately, it also likely provided cover for security forces to kill protesters.”

Thursday night protests preceded internet shutdown

When the clock struck 8 p.m. Thursday, neighborhoods across Tehran erupted in chanting, witnesses said. The chants included “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Others praised the shah, shouting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands could be seen on the streets before all communication to Iran cut out.

“Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication,” Pahlavi said. “It has shut down the internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.”

He went on to call for European leaders to join U.S. President Donald Trump in promising to “hold the regime to account.”

“I call on them to use all technical, financial, and diplomatic resources available to restore communication to the Iranian people so that their voice and their will can be heard and seen,” he added. “Do not let the voices of my courageous compatriots be silenced.”

Pahlavi had said he would offer further plans depending on the response to his call. His support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past — particularly after the 12-day war Israel waged on Iran in June. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some demonstrations, but it isn’t clear whether that’s support for Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The internet cut also appears to have taken Iran’s state-run and semiofficial news agencies offline as well. The state TV acknowledgment at 8 a.m. Friday represented the first official word about the demonstrations.

State TV claimed the protests saw violence that caused casualties but did not elaborate. It also said the protests saw “people’s private cars, motorcycles, public places such as the metro, fire trucks and buses set on fire.” State TV later reported that violence overnight killed six people in Hamedan, some 280 kilometers (175 miles) southwest of Tehran.

Trump renews threat over protester deaths

Iran has faced rounds of nationwide protests in recent years. As sanctions tightened and Iran struggled after the 12-day war, its rial currency collapsed in December, reaching 1.4 million to $1. Protests began soon after, with demonstrators chanting against Iran’s theocracy.

It remains unclear why Iranian officials have yet to crack down harder on the demonstrators. Trump warned last week that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.”

In an interview with talk show host Hugh Hewitt aired Thursday, Trump reiterated his pledge.

Iran has “been told very strongly, even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell,” Trump said.

Trump demurred when asked if he’d meet with Pahlavi.

“I’m not sure that it would be appropriate at this point to do that as president,” Trump said. “I think that we should let everybody go out there, and we see who emerges.”

Speaking in an interview with Sean Hannity aired Thursday night on Fox News, Trump went as far as to suggest 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may be looking to leave Iran.

“He’s looking to go someplace,” Trump said. “It’s getting very bad.”

The writing has been on the wall as quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled with a wide array of problems since taking over as the starter for the Vikings.

Not only has he left something to be desired with his accuracy, or lack thereof, he also has been unable to stay on the field because of various injuries.

There are enough questions about McCarthy that the Vikings appear destined to bring in some form of competition this offseason.

A recent report from The Athletic stated that the Vikings plan to “explore established options via trade or free agency” as something of an insurance policy in light of McCarthy’s early struggles.

Here are some of the routes the Vikings could take:

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) tackles Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the fourth quarter of an NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The Ravens beat the Vikings, 27-19. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Option 1: A true franchise quarterback

The names in this category are all likely nothing more than a pipe dream. They are bona fide stars at the position that would only be available if their current teams were looking to kickstart a rebuild for some reason. To get a deal done, the Vikings would have to be willing to trade a king’s ransom.

Joe Burrow: This became a talking point solely based on Burrow’s interactions with local reporters over the past couple of months. His melancholy demeanor in the public eye sparked rumors about his future with the Cincinnati Bengals. That type of big swing would instantly make the Vikings legitimate contenders.

Lamar Jackson: The potential availability of Jackson is similar to that of Burrow, born out of perceived discontent with his current situation. The fact that the Baltimore Ravens recently fired head coach John Harbaugh, however, seems to suggest they’re moving forward with Jackson at the lifeblood of the team. That doesn’t bode well for a blockbuster deal with the Vikings.

Justin Herbert: What if the Los Angeles Chargers lose in spectacular fashion this weekend? That would mean Herbert is still without a playoff win despite all his success. Would that be enough for the Chargers to considering making a change? It’s something the Vikings should be monitoring closely.

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by D.J. Wonnum #98 of the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Option 2: A former franchise quarterback

The names in this category will be available via trade or free agency. They are proven commodities that could benefit from a change of scenery. The upshot here is that the Vikings would have to move forward with them as the unquestioned starter.

Kyler Murray: There’s a chance Murray hits the open market based on how everything played out over the past few months. He was benched by the Arizona Cardinals, a controversial move that effectively tanked Murray’s trade value. If both sides are looking for a fresh start, cutting Murray might be the best option despite the salary cap ramifications. If that happens, the Vikings could show interest.

Daniel Jones: After turning down an offer from the Vikings a little more than 10 months ago, Jones is in position to hit free agency once again. He was balling out for the Indianapolis Colts before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Though he’s still working through the recovery process, Jones should garner interest from a handful of teams. Would the the Vikings be willing to commit to somebody coming off such a significant injury?

Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on Sept. 15, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 16-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Option 3: A young quarterback that could win the job

The names in this category come with inherent risk because of how their careers have played out to this point. It’s also a mixed bag as far as what it would take to acquire them. If the Vikings want them to win a competition in training camp, they would almost certainly enter with the upper hand.

Mac Jones: You have to wonder if Jones regrets not betting on himself. If he were a free agent this spring, he would be in line for a massive pay raise. Instead, he’s still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, making it hard to find a world in which he plays anywhere else in the short term. If the Vikings wanted to acquire him, they would have to trade significant draft capital. They aren’t really in position to do that.

Malik Willis: After flaming out with the Tennessee Titans, Willis has completely repaired his image with the Green Bay Packers. He’s proven to be a reliable backup that can win games in a pinch. Can he be a effective starter now that he has some experience under his belt? That’s something the Vikings will have to gauge if they decide to go down that road.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) makes a pass attempt during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

Option 4: A veteran quarterback that could win the job

The names in this category would be polarizing, to say the least. These are players past their prime who would come with a defined ceiling. This would also be an admission of fault from the Vikings because they would be changing course in order to establish short-term stability at the position.

Kirk Cousins: It would be a storybook closing of the loop for Cousins. After getting the bag to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins could attempt to finish what he started with the Vikings. Reports that Cousins recently restructured his contract made the possibility of him returning to Minnesota feel more realistic than ever.

Aaron Rodgers: After he finishes up his playoff run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers will probably contemplate retirement. That doesn’t necessarily mean Rodgers will fade away without fanfare. If he remains unsigned, and the Vikings still don’t have a solution at the most important position on the field, it could set up a marriage that has been a couple of decades in the making.

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During a Thursday visit to Minnesota, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed tariffs, investments and statewide fraud.

“For decades, Minnesota led the Midwest as a hub for culture, business and innovation. But in recent years, the leadership in Minnesota has knocked this great state and its people off course,” Bessent said in his speech to the Economic Club of Minnesota in Golden Valley.

Overregulation and the second-highest corporate tax rate in the country “have hurt job creators” and led to the state’s net outbound migration, Bessent said.

The recent 2026 Business Benchmarks report from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce found that employers have growing concerns about Minnesota’s tax and regulatory environment discouraging investment.

Minnesota ranks 44th for overall tax competitiveness and has the sixth-highest personal income tax rate, per the report. Furthermore, a recent survey from Enterprise Minnesota found that 53% of manufacturers report the business climate is worsening due to new labor mandates.

In addition to business climate challenges, Minnesota is also facing workforce challenges due to declining birth rates and net migration.

From 1976 to 2000, Minnesota’s labor force grew by about 1.7% annually. Between 2019 and 2024, the workforce grew by 0.2% annually, according to the chamber’s report.

Here are three takeaways from Bessent’s speech.

Prosecute fraud

“Minnesota is ground zero for what may be the most egregious welfare scam in our nation’s history to date,” Bessent said, singling out Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for blame.

Federal prosecutors estimate the state lost billions of federal dollars in recent years to Medicaid theft schemes. Federal fraud indictments continue to emerge in housing and autism programs after a federal investigation first became public in the summer of 2025.

In December, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson announced new fraud charges in two Medicaid-funded programs and told reporters that the state could have lost $9 billion or more to fraud in 14 “high-risk” Medicaid-funded programs since 2018. Walz and other state officials have disputed that estimate.

“I am here this week to signal the U.S. Treasury’s unwavering commitment to recovering stolen funds, prosecuting fraudulent criminals, preventing scandals like this from ever happening again and investigating similar schemes state by state,” Bessent said.

Defend tariffs

During his remarks, Bessent gave credit to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, saying they have encouraged corporations to invest in the U.S.

“The upshot of President Trump’s trade agenda is trillions of dollars in new investment across a broad cross-section of industries — from automotive manufacturing and semiconductors to tech and pharmaceuticals,” he said.

Bessent also pointed out recent multibillion-dollar investment agreements from Minnesota companies like Medtronic, 3M and General Mills. Medtronic, though based in Ireland, was founded in Minnesota and maintains significant operations here.

“Investments like these translate to more jobs and more opportunity for workers in Minnesota and across the country,” he said.

The long term effects of Trump’s tariffs remain to be seen. The U.S. trade deficit has fallen significantly but, so far, manufacturing jobs have continued to decline.

The legality of Trump’s tariffs, which he imposed by invoking a 1977 law used for national emergencies, is expected to be ruled on Friday by the Supreme Court.

‘Trump accounts’

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One provision of the president’s tax bill, called “Trump Accounts,” aims to give every newborn citizen $1,000 to be invested in American companies.

The program, which is planned to launch in July, would allow the account holder access once they turn 18.

During Thursday’s event, Bessent urged Minnesota companies to match the $1,000 donation.

“You all can allocate directly to the children of Minnesota, Minneapolis, or any zip code of your choice,” Bessent said. “With your patronage, we can ensure a strong financial future for America’s children.”

Today is Friday, Jan. 9, the ninth day of 2026. There are 356 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 9, 1945, during World War II, American forces began landing on the shores of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines as the Battle of Luzon got underway, resulting in an Allied victory over Imperial Japanese forces.

Also on this date:

In 1861, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the Union, the same day the Star of the West, a merchant vessel bringing reinforcements and supplies to Federal troops at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, retreated because of artillery fire.

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Federal immigration officers shoot and wound 2 people in Portland, Oregon, authorities say

In 1916, the World War I Battle of Gallipoli ended with an Ottoman Empire victory as Allied forces withdrew.

In 2005, Mahmoud Abbas was elected president of the Palestinian Authority following the death of Yasser Arafat the previous November.

In 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone at the Macworld conference in San Francisco.

In 2018, downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down Southern California hillsides that had been stripped of vegetation by a wildfire; more than 20 people died and hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed.

In 2022, 17 people, including eight children, died after a fire sparked by a malfunctioning space heater filled a high-rise apartment building with smoke in the New York City borough of the Bronx; it was the city’s deadliest blaze in three decades.

Today’s birthdays:

Musician-activist Joan Baez is 85.
Rock musician Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) is 82.
Singer Crystal Gayle is 75.
Actor J.K. Simmons is 71.
Actor Imelda Staunton is 70.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú is 67.
Actor Joely Richardson is 61.
Musician Dave Matthews is 59.
Rapper and singer Sean Paul is 53.
Actor Angela Bettis is 53.
Singer AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys) is 48.
Golfer Sergio Garcia is 46.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is 44.
World champion bull rider J.B. Mauney is 39.
Actor Nina Dobrev is 37.