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Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Calls Trump “Criminal” as Protest Death Toll Mounts
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated his rhetoric against President Donald Trump, labeling him a “criminal” and accusing the United States of orchestrating the deadly protests sweeping across Iran.
“The latest anti-Iran sedition was different in that the U.S. President personally became involved,” Iranian state media quoted Khamenei as saying, according to Reuters. The statement represents the latest in a series of accusations from Tehran that foreign powers, particularly the U.S. and Israel, are behind the domestic unrest.
Protests have engulfed Iran since late December, initially triggered by economic grievances before evolving into widespread anti-regime demonstrations. The government’s response has been severe, with security forces conducting brutal crackdowns against protesters.
Human rights organizations report staggering casualty figures. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran placed the death toll at 3,090 as of Friday, a figure that continues to rise. Meanwhile, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi claimed in an interview with Fox News that at least 12,000 people have been killed. These figures, if accurate, would represent the deadliest period of unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Trump has openly expressed support for the Iranian protesters, calling for regime change and cutting off diplomatic contact with Tehran. “There would be no contact until the government stops killing protesters,” Trump stated on Tuesday, urging Iranian citizens to “take over” the country.
The American president also claimed that his pressure had yielded results. “I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been canceled by the leadership of Iran,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this assertion, stating that the administration had communicated to Iran that “if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences.”
However, it remains unclear how Trump confirmed these claims about halted executions, as diplomatic channels between the countries are ostensibly closed. The administration has not disclosed any specific sources for this information.
Some Republican lawmakers have advocated for stronger measures, with some openly calling for military action against the Iranian regime. The White House maintains that “all options remain on the table” regarding Iran.
For its part, the Iranian religious establishment continues to frame the protests as foreign-instigated subversion. During Friday prayers, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a hardline member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council, described protesters as “butlers” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers,” according to The Associated Press.
Khatami’s sermon, broadcast on Iranian state radio, prompted attendees to chant “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!” The cleric warned that Netanyahu and Trump should expect “hard revenge from the system,” adding ominously that “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace.”
The confrontation comes amid heightened regional tensions. The Iranian regime has frequently blamed foreign powers for internal problems, but the scale of the current protests and the unprecedented death toll mark a significant challenge to the Islamic Republic’s 44-year rule.
Human rights organizations continue to document violations by Iranian security forces, while international pressure mounts on Tehran to end the violent suppression of dissent. As the situation evolves, the diplomatic standoff between Iran and the United States appears to be hardening, with both sides escalating their rhetoric while thousands of Iranian citizens pay the ultimate price for demanding change.
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9 Comments
Interesting development in the Iran protests saga. Khamenei’s accusations against Trump seem like an attempt to shift blame and deflect from the government’s violent crackdown on its own citizens. The death toll is staggering and concerning.
This is a complex geopolitical situation, but the loss of innocent life is unacceptable. Both the Iranian government and external actors need to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution that addresses the legitimate grievances of the protesters.
This conflict highlights the complex geopolitics in the region. While I’m skeptical of Khamenei’s claims, the US role and influence in Iran’s affairs is also concerning. Ultimately, the Iranian people deserve to have their voices heard without fear of state violence.
It’s troubling to see the escalating tensions and loss of life in Iran. Both the government and external actors need to exercise restraint and allow for peaceful dialogue. The Iranian people deserve stability and a voice in their future.
Khamenei’s accusations against Trump feel like a diversionary tactic. While foreign interference is always a concern, the primary responsibility lies with the Iranian authorities and their violent crackdown on citizens exercising their right to protest.
I agree. Pointing fingers at the US is an easy scapegoat, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Iranian government has responded with excessive force against its own people. Peaceful protest should be protected, not brutally suppressed.
The protests in Iran appear to be a genuine expression of discontent with the regime, rather than a foreign-backed plot. Khamenei’s rhetoric seems intended to delegitimize the protesters and distract from the government’s repressive actions.
The escalating rhetoric between Iran and the US is worrying. While foreign interference shouldn’t be dismissed, the Iranian government appears primarily responsible for the brutal suppression of these protests. Civilians are paying a heavy price.
I agree, the loss of life is tragic. The Iranian government should be held accountable for its actions, regardless of alleged foreign meddling. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right that must be respected.