Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal’, terms anti-govt protests an ‘American plot’

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday accused US President Donald Trump of instigating the anti-government protests in the country and called him a “criminal” responsible for the casualties, damage and slander inflicted on the Iranian nation.

“The recent unrest was an American plot, and the United States’ goal is to devour Iran,” Khamenei said, according to Iran International.

Advertisement

The Iranian Supreme Leader further alleged that Trump himself intervened in the “unrest” and made statements to encourage the “rioters” by announcing military support.

He said the protests were planned by the Americans, with the objective of establishing “domination over Iran.”

Khamenei also called upon the people to “break the back” of those who instigated the protests, asserting, “The Iranian nation will not let go of the domestic and international criminals behind this unrest.”

Iran protests: India planning to evacuate its nationals as Trump’s military intervention threat looms

US President Trump had earlier vowed support for Iranian protesters and warned the Khamenei regime of possible military intervention if it targeted demonstrators.

Earlier this week, Trump also urged protesters to continue their demonstrations and take over Iranian institutions, stating that “help is on its way” and that the “killers and abusers” would pay a heavy price.

Death toll crosses 3,000 as internet blockade continues in Iran

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 3,000 people have been killed in the Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests, with another 3,882 deaths under review.

More than 2,000 people have sustained injuries in the violence that began on December 28 and has since spread to all 31 provinces. Iranian authorities have also detained 22,123 protesters.

Meanwhile, the internet blockade in Iran continues as the protests enter their 20th day. The country has suspended both mobile and fixed-line internet services across all regions in response to the unrest.