Khamenei Accuses Trump of Stoking Deadly Unrest in Iran

A demonstrator holds the burning head of an effigy depicting US President Donald Trump during a protest against the US.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has intensified his criticism of the United States, directly accusing President Donald Trump of encouraging the wave of protests that has shaken the country. The demonstrations, which began as economic grievances, quickly expanded into broader political unrest and were met with a forceful response from Iranian security forces.

Khamenei framed the turmoil as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the Islamic Republic, arguing that Washington — and Trump personally — sought to inflame tensions and undermine Iran’s stability. Trump had publicly expressed support for the protesters and warned Iran against harsh reprisals, comments that Tehran dismissed as interference.

While Iranian leaders attribute the unrest to outside influence, many demonstrators point to long-standing domestic frustrations, including economic hardship, political restrictions, and demands for greater freedoms. The situation remains tense, with reports of continued arrests, communication disruptions, and growing international scrutiny of Iran’s handling of the crisis.