TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled US President Donald Trump a "criminal," holding him responsible f...
TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled US President Donald Trump a "criminal," holding him responsible for the deaths of thousands during recent riots and for the damages and slander inflicted upon the Iranian nation.
"While Western media interfered in past seditions, this time the US President himself directly encouraged the rioters," Khamenei said. He added that both the United States and the "Zionist regime" (Israel) are responsible for the unrest. Khamenei emphasized that he does not wish to lead his country into a war but warned that he would not spare criminals, whether they are domestic or foreign.
US Issues Warning Against Attacks
Meanwhile, early Saturday morning, the US State Department’s official Farsi X (formerly Twitter) account issued a warning against targeting American military bases. They stated that any move by Iran against US assets would result in a severe retaliatory response.
"As President Trump has repeatedly emphasized, all options remain on the table. If the Islamic Republic regime attacks American assets, it will face a very, very powerful military force," the State Department wrote. They added, "We have said this before, and we say it again: Do not play games with President Trump."
Unprecedented Admission of Casualties
In a move described as unprecedented in the history of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei publicly admitted that "thousands" of people were killed in the wave of protests gripping Iran. Historically, the regime has been reluctant to officially acknowledge such high death tolls during domestic unrest.
In a speech broadcast on state television, Khamenei characterized these deaths as the result of a "foreign-backed conspiracy." He accused Trump of orchestrating the protests and inciting "rioters" to attack government property and mosques. The Iranian government maintains that peaceful protests over economic issues were hijacked by armed "mercenaries" using foreign weapons.
Background: Economic Crisis and Crackdown
The protests began on December 28, 2025, sparked by the collapse of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation. However, the movement quickly evolved from economic grievances into a popular uprising calling for the end of the clerical regime.
Internet Blackout: A nationwide internet shutdown was imposed on January 8, 2026. Activists allege that the most brutal phase of the crackdown occurred during this period.
Security Presence: Despite Khamenei’s claims that the unrest has ended, a heavy security presence remains in major cities and regions like Kurdistan and Lorestan.
Military Deployment: Units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and 'Basij' volunteers have been heavily deployed in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
Mass Arrests: Thousands remains in prison. Human rights organizations fear many may face the death penalty under charges such as "Moharebeh" (War against God).
Current Global Stance
The economic crisis remains unresolved, with the rial hitting record lows, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. The Trump administration continues its "Maximum Pressure" policy, and the Pentagon has declared a state of high alert at US bases in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Qatar. Furthermore, the US is moving to impose new economic sanctions on high-ranking Iranian officials and military leaders involved in the crackdown.
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