Iran’s supreme leader has criticized Donald Trump for the harm and insults he has directed at the Iranian people during recent anti-government demonstrations. Trump had previously threatened action against Iran if protesters were harmed, but has since taken a more conciliatory stance after no executions were carried out.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first post since January 12, accused protesters of being influenced by foreign elements, including Trump and other “foreign terrorists.” He claimed that the protests were incited by American interference with the goal of undermining Iran’s sovereignty.
Khamenei also pointed fingers at individuals associated with Israel and the US for causing significant damage and fatalities during the unrest. Trump had warned Iran that he was prepared for action but later decided against it, listening to advice from advisors who expressed doubts about the effectiveness of strikes and the potential consequences.
Trump praised Iran for not executing hundreds of political prisoners, acknowledging the decision as a positive step. The situation in Tehran appears to have calmed down, with life returning to normalcy, although internet access remains restricted. The death toll, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, has surpassed 3,090, marking one of the deadliest periods of civil unrest in Iran’s recent history.