Tehran | January 18, 2026
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday labeled US President Donald Trump a “criminal,” accusing him of being responsible for the deaths of “several thousand” protesters during the recent anti-government demonstrations in Iran.
His remarks came during a nationally televised speech, marking the first time an Iranian leader has offered an estimate of the death toll from the protests that erupted on December 28, which were forcefully suppressed by security forces.
Khamenei’s Accusations
Speaking on state television, Khamenei claimed that Trump personally encouraged demonstrators to intensify the unrest.
He said the former US President told protesters:
“We support you. We will back you militarily.”
Khamenei accused Washington of seeking dominance over Iran’s political and economic resources and reiterated that decisions on all state matters in Iran ultimately fall under his authority.
He further alleged that protesters were “agents of America,” claiming they had attacked mosques, educational centers, and public property during the unrest.
The Iranian leader added:
“Because of the deaths, the destruction, and the accusations against the Iranian people, we consider the American President a criminal. He caused harm and killed thousands of people.”
Trump’s Response
In a separate interview on Saturday, Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuttal, calling Khamenei “a sick man” who should focus on running his country instead of “killing people.”
Trump added:
“Iran has become one of the worst places on Earth to live because of its leadership. It’s time for Iran to look for new leadership.”
The exchange reflects heightened tensions as Iran faces domestic unrest amid economic struggles and political pressure.
