Politics

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused President Donald Trump on Saturday of stirring up protests that have lasted for weeks. Rights groups reported that a harsh response from security forces has led to thousands of deaths. The protests began on December 28, driven by economic struggles, and grew into widespread calls for an end to clerical rule in the Islamic Republic. Trump has often threatened to take action, saying he would respond strongly if Iran executed any protesters. However, on Friday, he expressed gratitude to Iran’s leaders for not going ahead with mass hangings. Iran stated that there was no intention to execute anyone. In remarks that seemed directed at Trump, Khamenei declared, “We will not drag the country into war, but we will not allow domestic or international criminals to escape punishment,” according to state media. IRAN ACCUSES US AND ISRAEL OF ORGANIZING PROTESTS The clerical leadership in Iran claims the violence during the nationwide protests comes from armed rioters disguising themselves as protesters, which they label as “terrorists.” They allege that Israel and the U.S. are responsible for organizing these protests and for many deaths among demonstrators and security personnel. Khamenei stated, “We view the U.S. president as a criminal for the deaths, damages, and insults he brought upon the Iranian people.” He added that those connected to Israel and the U.S. caused significant harm and killed thousands, mentioning that they started fires, vandalized public property, and incited chaos. He described their actions as “crimes and a serious slander.”