Supreme Leader Accuses US and Trump of Incitement
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly accused the United States and former President Donald Trump of inciting the widespread protests that have gripped the country since late December. In statements made on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Khamenei acknowledged that 'several thousand deaths' had occurred during the unrest, some in an 'inhuman, savage manner,' and attributed the casualties and damages to foreign interference.
Context of Recent Nationwide Protests
The current wave of demonstrations in Iran began around December 28, initially sparked by economic hardship. These protests rapidly escalated into nationwide anti-government movements, with participants calling for an end to clerical rule in the Islamic Republic. The unrest has been characterized by significant clashes and a subsequent crackdown by authorities, making independent verification of events and casualties challenging, partly due to internet blackouts.
Khamenei's Direct Accusations and Allegations of Foreign Plot
Khamenei explicitly blamed Iran's 'longtime enemies,' including the US and Israel, for organizing the violence. He claimed that 'those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand,' alleging they started fires, destroyed public property, and incited chaos. The Supreme Leader labeled Donald Trump a 'criminal' for the 'casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,' asserting that Trump personally intervened in the unrest, made statements, encouraged rioters, and pledged military backing.
Discrepancies in Death Toll Reports
The number of fatalities reported during these protests varies significantly across different sources:
- Khamenei himself acknowledged 'several thousand deaths.'
- The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported verifying 3,090 deaths, including 2,885 protesters, and over 22,000 arrests.
- Other reports from inside Iran, cited by CBS News, suggested estimates ranging from 'at least 12,000 and possibly as many as 20,000' deaths.
- The Iranian government has consistently referred to those involved in violent acts as 'rioters' and 'terrorists,' with the prosecutor general stating that detainees would face severe punishment, including charges punishable by death under Iranian law.
These figures represent a significant escalation, with some reports indicating the current unrest is among the worst in years.
International Reactions and US Stance
In response to the protests, Donald Trump had previously issued warnings to Iran, threatening 'very strong action' if Iranian authorities executed protesters and expressing support for the demonstrators. He also called for 'new leadership' in Iran. The US State Department has also commented on the unrest, describing it as an expression of the Iranian people's 'understandable anger' at government failures.
6 Comments
Leonardo
The Iranian people are protesting their own government, not the US. Stop the lies!
Michelangelo
Khamenei is just deflecting blame from his own oppressive regime. It's ridiculous.
Donatello
Trump's rhetoric absolutely incited more violence. He has blood on his hands.
Raphael
Typical US meddling, always stirring up trouble abroad. Khamenei is right to call them out.
Donatello
The Supreme Leader needs to take responsibility. His policies are the problem.
Mariposa
While foreign powers often seek to influence internal affairs, the core grievances driving these protests stem from Iran's domestic issues. Khamenei's accusations, while not entirely baseless regarding rhetoric, serve as a convenient distraction from regime failures.