Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a sharp attack on U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of bearing “blood on his hands” amid widespread protests in Iran.
In a forceful address, Khamenei held Trump responsible for the deaths of more than a thousand Iranians during what he described as a “twelve-day war,” including civilians, commanders, scientists, and senior officials.
He cited Trump’s own remarks about having “given the order” as evidence of culpability, dismissing the president’s claims of supporting the Iranian people as false and deceptive.
Khamenei also addressed what he termed “rioters” and “vandals” who allegedly damaged public property in Tehran and other cities to curry favor with Washington. He warned that those acting to “please the President of America” were serving foreign interests, stressing that the Iranian nation does not tolerate mercenarism and rejects individuals aligned with outside powers.
Directing his message toward Iran’s youth, the supreme leader urged unity and vigilance, asserting that a united nation could overcome any external or internal threat.
He highlighted that the Islamic Republic was founded through the sacrifices of “hundreds of thousands” and would not retreat in the face of unrest or destruction.
Khamenei also rebuked Trump, advising him to focus on domestic problems rather than Iran’s internal affairs. Drawing historical parallels, he cited figures such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Iran’s former monarchs, suggesting that arrogant rulers are often overthrown at the height of their power, implying that Trump could meet a similar fate.
His remarks come amid ongoing unrest fueled by economic pressures and political discontent, with authorities restricting internet access across major cities.
While Trump has criticized Tehran’s crackdowns on protesters, he has refrained from endorsing any opposition figure, including Iran’s self-proclaimed Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Khamenei’s statements reinforce his call for national unity while framing foreign influence as a key threat to the nation.
