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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently accused President Donald Trump of being a “criminal” and implicated the United States in the escalating unrest that has led to the deadliest protests in recent history. Khamenei’s remarks, conveyed through Iranian state media on Saturday, signal a continued effort by Tehran to place blame for the protests on foreign interference.
In his statement, Khamenei asserted that this wave of unrest was unique due to Trump’s direct involvement, characterizing the protests as part of a broader plot instigated by foreign powers, particularly the U.S. He has not only targeted Trump but has also pointed fingers at Israel.
Unrest Erupts Across Iran
Protests erupted in Iran in late December, initially sparked by economic discontent but quickly transforming into widespread anti-regime demonstrations. Ney’s security forces have responded with violent crackdowns, fueling further outrage among citizens.
Human rights organizations estimate that thousands of protesters have lost their lives during these confrontations. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran reports that the death toll now stands at 3,090. This shocking figure highlights the severity of the government’s response, which seems to surpass any previous episodes of violence in recent history and recalls the turmoil of the 1979 revolution.
Conflicting Death Toll Estimates
While Khamenei faces accusations of orchestrating the violent crackdown, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, in a recent interview, claimed that at least 12,000 people have died during the unrest, indicating the protests’ devastating impact on Iranian society.
Trump’s Support for Protesters
In response to the turmoil, Trump has publicly voiced support for the Iranian protesters, advocating for regime change. Some Republican lawmakers have reinforced this stance, urging him to contemplate military action against Iran.
On Tuesday, during a press briefing, Trump declared that he had severed communication with the Iranian regime, insisting that discussions would not resume until the government ceases its violent repression of its citizens. He encouraged the Iranian populace to rise against their leaders and reclaim their rights.
Statements from Trump and Other Officials
When interviewed recently, Trump explained that his decision to avoid military strikes against Iran was independently made, dismissing any suggestion that external advisors influenced him. On social media, he echoed his sentiments, praising the Iranian leadership for suspending scheduled executions.
Trump stated on Truth Social that he respected Iran for canceling over 800 imminent hangings, hinting at a potential shift in their approach amidst mounting international pressure. His social media posts suggest a complex relationship between U.S. diplomatic policies and the unfolding events on the ground.
However, it remains unclear the extent to which Trump verified the claims regarding Iran’s cancellation of executions. His assertions seem to align with statements made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who noted that all options for addressing Iran remain available.
The Inside View: Khatami’s Sermon and Its Implications
In a related event, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami delivered a sermon broadcasted on state radio, inciting chanting from attendees calling for severe reprisals against the protesters. Khatami characterized demonstrators as agents of foreign political leaders, specifically targeting Netanyahu and Trump as primary instigators of the unrest.
He cautioned that both Trump and Netanyahu should brace for
