Khamenei Blames Trump, Urges End to Iran Protests
Khamenei Blames Trump, Urges End to Iran Protests
Iran's Supreme Leader denounces Trump as backing unrest, while protests persist and regional tensions rise alongside sanctions.
Tehran — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a televised address condemning calls by US President Donald Trump to support protesters in Iran, branding Trump a criminal for alleged involvement in unrest that has left thousands dead. He insisted that the Islamic Republic will defend its institutions and dismissed the demonstrators as tools of foreign powers. He reiterated long-standing accusations that the United States seeks to dominate Iran's economy and politics and urged patience from domestic forces in the face of what he described as foreign-backed sedition.
In Washington, Trump signaled a softer stance, telling Iranian protesters that 'help is on the way,' though he did not clearly indicate steps to back up that rhetoric. The mixed messaging has kept analysts guessing about whether Washington might shift from threats of military action to diplomacy or renewed sanctions pressure.
The protests, which began December 28, have shaken the country and drawn international attention. Analysts note that the protests have tested Khamenei's 37-year-rule and that crackdown has been severe, with thousands reported dead according to Iranian officials. The economy has suffered under sanctions, compounding public frustration.
Observers say the current moment underscores the high-stakes nature of Iran's leadership dynamics and the potential implications for regional stability, as Tehran watches international responses and calibrates its own domestic messaging.
