TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed US President Donald Trump for the deaths and destruction during nationwide protests in Iran, calling the unrest an “American conspiracy.”
Speaking to supporters during a religious holiday, Khamenei said, “We hold the American president guilty for the casualties, damages, and accusations he has leveled against the Iranian nation. America’s goal is to swallow Iran… to impose military, political, and economic domination.”
He warned authorities to “break the back of the seditionists”, emphasizing that domestic and international “criminals” would not be spared. “By God’s grace, the Iranian nation must break the back of the seditionists just as it broke the back of the sedition,” Khamenei added.
Rights activists report that over 3,000 people have died in Iran’s protests, which began on December 28 over economic hardship and escalated into calls for an end to clerical rule. Following weeks of violence, Tehran has been comparatively calm, with drones patrolling the city but no major protests recently. Internet activity saw a “very slight rise” after an eight-day blackout.
Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, discussing the situation in Iran and the wider region. Both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations and expressed hope for peace and stability.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump thanked Iranian authorities for canceling hundreds of planned executions of protesters, praising Tehran on social media for halting over 800 hangings that were reportedly scheduled. Trump called the move “a very positive step” and expressed his respect for the decision.
The crisis highlights rising international tensions, human rights concerns, and ongoing geopolitical disputes involving the US and Iran.