Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday launched a sharp attack on US President Donald Trump, calling him a criminal and accusing the United States of being responsible for casualties and damage suffered by Iranians during recent nationwide protests.
In a post on social media platform X, Khamenei held the US president responsible for what he described as deaths, destruction and misinformation targeting the Iranian nation amid weeks of unrest.
The remarks come after one of the largest waves of protests Iran has witnessed in decades. At least 3,428 protesters are reported to have been killed during the demonstrations, though rights groups believe the actual toll could be significantly higher. The protests eventually subsided following a violent crackdown by security forces and the imposition of a nationwide internet blackout.
The unrest began in late December with economic grievances, including inflation and unemployment, and was initially marked by the shutdown of Tehran&rsquo;s historic bazaar on December 28. The movement quickly escalated into a broader uprising demanding the removal of Iran&rsquo;s clerical establishment that has governed the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
During the protests, Trump publicly expressed support for demonstrators and encouraged them to continue, while also declining to rule out possible military intervention. Iran responded sharply to the US stance, warning that American military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets in the event of any attack on Iranian territory.
The confrontation has further heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington amid growing international concern over human rights violations during the protests.

Iran’s supreme leader blames US for deaths and damage during nationwide unrest

Khamenei Calls Trump Criminal Amid Iran Protests

Iran’s supreme leader blames US for deaths and damage during nationwide unrest

January 17, 2026 | 10:30 IST