In a striking condemnation, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has branded former President Donald Trump a "criminal," attributing the recent and deadly protests sweeping across Iran to U.S. interference. This statement, delivered on Saturday, marks a notable escalation in the Iranian government's rhetoric, which frequently points fingers at foreign powers for the turmoil within its borders. Khamenei claimed that the latest waves of dissent were distinct because they saw Trump allegedly taking a personal role in inciting unrest, as reported by various Iranian media outlets.
This rhetoric fits into a broader narrative by Tehran, which has consistently accused external forces, particularly the United States and Israel, of trying to destabilize Iran. The protests, which ignited in late December, initially focused on economic grievances but have quickly evolved into widespread demonstrations against the regime itself. Unfortunately, these public expressions of discontent have been met with harsh crackdowns by security personnel.
Human rights organizations have reported alarming casualties during these protests, with thousands of demonstrators purportedly losing their lives. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, the death toll has tragically reached 3,090, a figure that surpasses casualties from previous periods of unrest and echoes the chaotic atmosphere of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
In contrast, Reza Pahlavi, an opposition leader, told Bret Baier during an interview on "Special Report" that he estimates the death count to be at least 12,000, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Amidst this turmoil, Trump has publicly voiced his support for the Iranian protesters and discussed the possibility of regime change. Some members of Congress from the Republican party have even encouraged Trump to contemplate military action against Iran. Senator Lindsey Graham has gone so far as to advocate for employing "any means necessary" to halt the violence perpetrated against Iranian civilians.
In a significant shift, President Trump announced on Tuesday that he had ceased all meetings with Iranian officials, declaring that there would be no dialogue until the Iranian government ceases its violent repression of protesters. He emphatically urged the Iranian people to take control of their nation.
When questioned about whether Arab and Israeli leaders advised him against striking Iran, Trump stated that it was his own decision, mentioning the cancellation of planned executions in Iran as a key factor in his changed approach.
On social media, Trump expressed gratitude for the Iranian leadership's cancellation of scheduled hangings, acknowledging that over 800 executions had been called off. However, it remains unclear how he verified this information regarding the planned executions. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, had previously informed reporters that all options were still open regarding U.S. policy towards Iran, highlighting that severe consequences would follow if the killings continued.
During a sermon, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami stirred the crowd by calling for extreme measures against protesters, labeling them as "armed hypocrites" and accusing them of being agents of both Israel and Trump. He warned that both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should brace themselves for "harsh revenge" from the Iranian regime, asserting that Americans and Zionists should not expect any peace.
The ongoing conflict between the Iranian government and its citizens raises profound questions about the future of Iran and the extent of foreign influence in its domestic affairs. As these events unfold, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with Khamenei's accusations against Trump, or do you think the U.S. plays a different role? We invite you to share your views in the comments.
