Khamenei accuses Trump of fueling Iran protests, cites thousands killed

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said thousands were killed during the protests that erupted in late December, blaming US President Donald Trump for openly backing the demonstrators and calling him a “criminal.” He framed the unrest as caused by foreign-backed rioters or naive youths manipulated by leaders, while omitting security-forces’ crackdown details. HRANA cites a death toll above 3,000 (CNN cannot independently verify), and more than 24,000 protesters have been arrested. The government shut down internet access during the crackdown, with connectivity only gradually returning; fears of possible executions were raised by some officials, though Tehran says such penalties are not yet decided. Trump and US officials publicly responded to Khamenei’s remarks.