Source TOI
TEHRAN — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a scathing verbal attack on U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of orchestrating the recent wave of violent unrest across Iran. In a televised address on Saturday, Khamenei labeled Trump a “criminal” and held Washington directly responsible for the casualties and damage incurred during the protests.
The Supreme Leader dismissed international characterizations of the demonstrations as a grassroots uprising, instead branding them an “American plot” designed to undermine the Iranian state.
“We consider the US president a criminal for the casualties, damages, and the slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,” Khamenei said, according to reports from Iran International. He further alleged that the U.S. goal is to “devour Iran” and claimed that Trump personally encouraged “vandals” by promising military support.
Crackdown and Casualties
The protests, which initially began over economic grievances before escalating into calls for regime change, have been met with a severe response from Iranian security forces. While the Iranian government has not released official death tolls, human rights organizations have reported staggering figures. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that more than 3,000 people have been killed in the crackdown.
Despite the violence, Khamenei praised the authorities’ handling of the situation, stating that the “Iranian nation” had “broken the back of the riot.” He issued a stern warning that Tehran would not forgive “domestic and international criminals” involved in the agitation.
Geopolitical Tensions
Khamenei’s remarks highlight the deepening rift between Tehran and Washington. While the Supreme Leader’s tone remains combative, President Trump has recently sent mixed signals. Trump publicly thanked Iranian leadership for “halting” the planned executions of some protesters, yet he has also designated the killing of peaceful demonstrators as a “red line” for potential U.S. action.
The situation remains tense as internet restrictions continue across Iran. Hard-line clerics in Tehran have echoed Khamenei’s rhetoric, calling for maximum punishments for detained protesters and issuing threats against both the United States and Israel.
As the unrest subsides into an uneasy calm, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian situation and the potential for further escalation in the Middle East.
