The country’s supreme leader says foreign-backed protests have caused ‘massive damage and killed thousands’.
Published on January 17, 2026
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has described US President Donald Trump as a “criminal” and accused the US and Israel of direct involvement in the violence that has sparked weeks of protests across the country.
“The anti-Iranian treason was different in that the US president was personally involved,” Iranian state media quoted Khamenei as saying on Saturday.
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He said foreign-linked actors were responsible for the massive bloodshed and destruction. “Those linked to Israel and the US have caused massive damage and killed thousands of people” during the protests that have plagued Iran for more than two weeks, he said.
Iranian officials have pointed the finger at foreign powers for the unrest, accusing longtime geopolitical rivals — mainly Israel and the US — of fomenting instability and directing operations on the ground.
Khamenei warned that Iran would avoid escalation beyond its borders, but that those responsible would face consequences. “We will not drag the country into war, but we will not allow domestic or international criminals to go unpunished,” he said.
Tehran’s tough stance is underscored as protests linked to economic hardship and political grievances resume across the country.