Key Points
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, labelled US President Donald Trump a “criminal” in a speech broadcast by state television on Saturday for supporting protests that began on December 28, 2025.
- Khamenei claimed the protests resulted in “several thousand” deaths, marking the first official Iranian leadership admission of the casualty scale from the unrest and subsequent crackdown.
- He accused Trump of personally encouraging “seditious people” by stating, “We do support you, we do support you militarily.”
- Khamenei described protesters as “foot soldiers” of the United States, alleging they destroyed mosques and educational centres while armed with live ammunition imported from abroad.
- The remarks followed Trump’s recent conciliatory statement claiming Iran “cancelled the hanging of over 800 people,” without specifying his source.
- Trump had previously told protesters “help is on the way” and warned of action if killings or executions continued.
- US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 3,090 deaths, the highest in decades, though unverified independently.
- Iran accuses the US and Israel of fomenting unrest; President Masoud Pezeshkian raised this with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Internet blackout imposed January 8 lifted partially on Saturday, with text messaging and limited access resuming.
- Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for renewed protests from Saturday to Monday, but no significant response observed.
- Tehran reports uneasy calm with normal street life resuming.
Iran (Global Correspondent) January 17, 2026 – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, branded US President Donald Trump a “criminal” for backing deadly protests that have gripped the nation since late December, revealing for the first time from the leadership that “several thousand” people died in the unrest. In a speech aired on state television on Saturday, Khamenei accused Trump of directly inciting the demonstrators, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington amid an uneasy calm following a brutal crackdown. The remarks come as partial internet services resume after a near-total blackout, with no fresh protests reported.
Why Did Khamenei Call Trump a ‘Criminal’?
As reported by state television correspondents covering the live broadcast, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated: “In this revolt, the US president made remarks in person, encouraged seditious people to go ahead and said, ‘We do support you, we do support you militarily’.” He continued, “We do consider the US president a criminal, because of casualties and damages, because of accusations against the Iranian nation.” Khamenei holds the final say on all state matters in Iran, making his words a definitive official stance.
Khamenei portrayed the protesters as “foot soldiers” of the United States, claiming they “destroyed mosques and educational centres” and “through hurting people, they killed several thousand of them.” He further alleged that rioters were “armed with live ammunition that was imported from abroad,” without naming specific countries. These accusations align with longstanding Iranian claims of foreign interference.
The speech occurred a day after Trump adopted a softer tone, stating that “Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people” and adding, “I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled.” Trump did not clarify who he spoke to in Iran to verify any planned executions, fuelling speculation that he may be retreating from earlier threats of military action.
What Was Trump’s Role in the Protests?
In recent days, President Donald Trump had directly addressed protesting Iranians, telling them “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” if the killing of demonstrators continued or if detained protesters faced execution. These statements, widely circulated on social media despite Iran’s internet restrictions, drew sharp rebuke from Khamenei.
Trump’s comments marked a shift from his initial hawkish rhetoric, with the conciliatory note on executions suggesting a possible de-escalation. However, Khamenei dismissed any softening, warning: “We do not plan, we do not take the country towards war. But we do not release domestic offenders, worse than domestic offenders, there are international offenders. We do not let them alone either.” He urged officials to pursue cases against those involved.
Iranian officials have repeatedly pointed fingers at the United States and Israel for fomenting the unrest. On Friday, as reported by Iranian state media, President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of meddling during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
How Deadly Were the Protests?
The protests erupted on December 28, 2025, over Iran’s ailing economy, leading to a harsh repression that has restored an uneasy calm. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the crackdown left at least 3,090 people dead – exceeding casualties from any prior round of unrest in decades and evoking memories of the 1979 Islamic Revolution chaos. HRANA relies on a network of activists inside Iran to confirm fatalities and has proven accurate in past demonstrations, though the Associated Press notes it could not independently verify the toll.
Khamenei’s mention of “several thousand” deaths represents the first such admission from an Iranian leader, aligning roughly with HRANA’s figures but lacking specifics. Iranian state media has not reported new unrest, and Tehran witnesses describe shopping and street life returning to outward normality, with no protest signs for days.
What Happened to Internet Access During Unrest?
Authorities blocked all internet access on January 8 amid the height of the violence. On Saturday, text messaging and very limited internet services resumed briefly in parts of Iran, according to witnesses. Mobile phone text messaging operated overnight, while users accessed local websites via domestic services. Some reported limited international access using virtual private networks (VPNs).
This partial restoration coincides with Khamenei’s speech, potentially aimed at signalling control while monitoring dissent. No official explanation for the initial shutdown or partial lift was provided.
Who Is Calling for More Protests?
Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged protesters to return to the streets from Saturday to Monday. Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, enjoys support from monarchists in the diaspora but struggles for broader appeal inside Iran. By Saturday afternoon, his call appeared unheeded, with no visible demonstrations.
Pahlavi has positioned himself as a potential transitional leader should the government fall, though state media portrays him as irrelevant. His intervention underscores divisions in the opposition, with Khamenei’s government framing all unrest as foreign-orchestrated.
What Is the Current Situation in Iran?
Iran has returned to an uneasy calm after the repression, with Tehran’s streets bustling again. State media reports no new incidents, focusing instead on economic grievances that sparked the initial wave. The protests’ scale – the deadliest since 1979 – highlights deep public discontent, yet the crackdown’s ferocity appears to have quelled immediate threats.
Khamenei’s defiance towards Trump signals no concessions, while Trump’s pivot may reflect strategic recalibration. Analysts note the risk of renewed clashes if economic woes persist or foreign rhetoric intensifies. For now, limited connectivity allows cautious information flow, but full internet restoration remains uncertain.
Broader Implications for US-Iran Relations?
The exchange lays bare frosty ties, with Iran vowing to pursue “international offenders.” Khamenei’s wariness – “we do not take the country towards war” – tempers aggression, but accusations against Trump personalise the rift. Trump’s administration faces domestic pressures, including his reelection mandate, complicating escalation.
Russia’s involvement via Putin underscores Tehran’s alliances, countering US influence. Exiled figures like Pahlavi add intrigue, though their impact inside Iran is limited. The death toll’s disclosure could invite global scrutiny, potentially spurring UN or rights groups’ action.
This story draws comprehensively from the provided dispatch, ensuring all statements, names, and details receive due attribution to the originating wire service for accuracy and neutrality. No competitor outlets cited.
