Trump pushes for new leadership in Iran as protests persist

President Donald Trump told Politico that it’s time for new leadership in Iran as nationwide protests continue and a harsh crackdown has killed thousands and led to tens of thousands of arrests (HRANA cites about 3,090 dead and 22,123 arrests). Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended the regime and said authorities have detained key agitators, with Iran’s Fars News Agency noting protests had largely subsided. The White House did not comment on Trump’s remarks. Separately, the U.S. is moving to bolster regional security with additional forces and defenses and has begun evacuating personnel from its largest Middle East base amid potential retaliation from Iran.