Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused US President Donald Trump of being responsible for weeks of deadly unrest across Iran, calling him a “criminal” and blaming the United States and Israel for spreading chaos and violence in the country. His remarks came as Iran partially restored internet access after a nationwide blackout lasting more than 200 hours.
The protests, which erupted on December 28 over economic hardship, quickly grew into the most serious challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership in years. Demonstrators began calling for an end to religious rule, prompting a harsh security crackdown. Khamenei acknowledged that “several thousand” people were killed, while rights groups say more than 3,000 died and over 22,000 were arrested.
Speaking through state media, Khamenei accused foreign enemies of orchestrating arson, destruction of public property and killings, claiming they aimed to destabilize the country. He said Iran would not seek war but would not allow “domestic or international criminals” to escape punishment.
Iranian authorities have labelled detainees as “mohareb,” or enemies of God, a charge that can carry the death penalty. Prosecutors have vowed investigations without leniency.
Meanwhile, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported limited restoration of connectivity, still at just 2% of normal levels. State media also confirmed arrests of alleged ringleaders linked to exiled opposition figures, as tensions inside Iran remain high and the humanitarian toll continues to grow.
