Iran's Supreme Leader Accuses Trump of Direct Responsibility for Protest Deaths
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made serious accusations against the United States and its president. He directly blamed US President Donald Trump for deaths and damage during Iran's recent wave of protests. Khamenei branded Trump a criminal and claimed Washington orchestrated the unrest that swept through the country.
Khamenei's Saturday Speech Points Finger at Washington
Speaking on Saturday, Khamenei stated clearly that the United States and Trump personally were behind the demonstrations. These protests were met with a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. According to reports from Iran International, Khamenei said, "We consider the US president a criminal for the casualties, damages, and the slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation."
The Supreme Leader alleged that the protests formed part of an American plot. He claimed this plot aimed at undermining Iran and extending US domination over the country. "The recent unrest was an American plot, and the United States' goal is to devour Iran," Khamenei declared. He added that Trump had "intervened in this unrest, made statements, encouraged the rioters, and said we will provide military support."
Rejection of International Portrayals and Praise for Authorities
Khamenei firmly rejected international portrayals of the demonstrations as a popular uprising. He accused the US president of misrepresenting what he called vandals as the Iranian people. The Supreme Leader praised the authorities' response to the unrest and issued a strong warning to those he said were behind it.
"The Iranian nation, just as it broke the back of the riot, must also break the back of those who instigated it," Khamenei stated. He added that Iran would not forgive "domestic and international criminals" linked to the protests.
Uneasy Calm Returns After Weeks of Demonstrations
Khamenei's remarks came as Iran returned to an uneasy calm following weeks of demonstrations. These protests began over economic grievances and escalated into direct challenges to the country's leadership. The protests have largely subsided after a sweeping crackdown by authorities.
No major unrest has been reported in Tehran for several days, though internet restrictions remain firmly in place. Human rights groups say the crackdown has been particularly deadly. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the death toll at more than 3,000 people.
Iran has not released official casualty figures, and this number has not been independently verified by outside sources. The situation remains tense despite the apparent calm on the streets.
Contrasting Responses from Washington and Tehran
Despite Khamenei's combative tone, Trump has recently struck a more conciliatory note. The US president publicly thanked Iran's leaders for not carrying out mass executions of detained protesters. Trump has described executions and the killing of peaceful demonstrators as red lines for possible US action.
However, the American president has also signaled reluctance to escalate tensions further between the two nations. This creates an interesting contrast with Khamenei's aggressive accusations.
Hard-line Voices Echo Khamenei's Accusations
Within Iran, hard-line voices have echoed Khamenei's accusations against the United States. Senior clerics have called for harsh punishments for detained protesters. These religious leaders have also issued threats against both Trump and Israel, showing the broader regional tensions at play.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining their positions while the people of Iran navigate the aftermath of weeks of unrest. The international community continues to watch developments closely as this geopolitical drama unfolds.
