Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that thousands of people were killed during weeks of nationwide protests in Iran, accusing Donald Trump of encouraging the unrest and bearing responsibility for the deaths.
In a televised address published on his official website on Saturday, Khamenei described Trump as a «criminal» who had «openly encouraged» protesters by promising US military support. He said Washington was responsible both for the casualties and for damage caused during the demonstrations, which began in late December amid anger over soaring prices and the collapse of the Iranian rial.
Khamenei did not address allegations of excessive force by Iran’s security services. Witnesses and human rights organisations have reported that government forces fired on protesters from rooftops and used drones during the crackdown. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 3,000 people were killed, though the figure has not been independently verified.
The Iranian leader said those involved in the protests fell into two groups: individuals «supported and trained» by the United States and Israel, and younger people whom he described as naïve and manipulated. He accused protesters of attacking infrastructure, religious sites and public facilities, reiterating Tehran’s long-standing claim that foreign actors fuel unrest in the country.
Trump responded by calling for new leadership in Iran and referring to Khamenei as a «sick man». In comments to Politico, he accused Iran’s leadership of destroying the country and using unprecedented levels of violence to retain power. Trump said Iran’s rulers should focus on governing rather than «killing people by the thousands».
During the unrest, Iran imposed near-total internet shutdowns. Cybersecurity group NetBlocks reported only a slight restoration of connectivity, while Iranian state media said access had returned to some users. Authorities have also warned of severe punishment for those involved in the protests, as concerns grow over mass arrests and possible death sentences.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that US President Donald Trump has said that Iran needs new leadership, accusing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of destroying the state and using widespread violence against the population.
