Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a rare public statement about recent anti-government protests. He says "several thousand" people died during the unrest. Khamenei blames individuals linked to the United States and Israel for the violence.
Khamenei Accuses US and Israel of Direct Involvement
In his remarks, Khamenei directly points fingers at foreign powers. He claims people connected to the US and Israel caused massive damage in Iran. The Supreme Leader describes this as an organised attempt to destabilise the country.
Donald Trump Responds with Criticism
US President Donald Trump quickly fired back at Khamenei's accusations. Trump told POLITICO that Iran should seek new leadership. He calls for an end to Khamenei's long rule, citing the use of force and fear.
Trump says Khamenei has destroyed Iran through unprecedented violence. The US president's comments come as protests in Iran appear to ease. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the two nations.
Unclear Death Toll in Protests
Khamenei's mention of "several thousand" deaths marks the first time he has acknowledged the scale publicly. Iranian authorities have previously reported only hundreds of deaths. There is no confirmed official figure from the government.
In contrast, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency provides a higher estimate. HRANA says about 3,000 people were killed during the protests. This discrepancy adds to the confusion surrounding the actual toll.
Protests Draw International Attention
The anti-government protests in Iran have sparked demonstrations abroad. People gathered in Cologne, Germany, to show support for the Iranian protesters. Such events underscore the global interest in Iran's internal affairs.
Khamenei's accusations against the US and Israel reflect broader geopolitical conflicts. His remarks may fuel further debates on foreign interference in Iran's domestic issues.
