Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of inciting protests that lasted for weeks, causing serious casualties nationwide.
According to Iranian state media, Mr. Khamenei believes that the US President must be responsible for casualties, damage and allegations against the Iranian people.
The protests broke out on December 28, 2025 due to economic difficulties, then spread to street protests calling for an end to the clerical regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention, including warning that there would be "very strong action" if Iran executed protesters.
Previously, Mr. Trump posted a message thanking the leaders of Tehran for saying they had stopped mass hangings, while Iran affirmed that there were no execution plans.
In response to statements said to be aimed at him, Mr. Khamenei declared that Iran will not push the country into war but will not let "domestic or foreign criminals" escape punishment.
In interviews, Mr. Trump called for finding a "new leadership" in Iran and ending Mr. Khamenei's 37 years in power. Mr. Trump also commented that opposition figure Reza Pahlavi "sees good" but expressed skepticism about his ability to gather domestic support.
Mr. Khamenei described this as the most serious wave of instability in Iran in years, with "several thousand deaths", and accused the US and Israel of organizing violence, destroying public property and causing chaos.
Human Rights Activists News Agency said it has verified 3,090 deaths and more than 22,000 arrests. Iran declared that those detained will face severe punishment.
