Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a scathing attack on U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of having “blood on his hands” amid protests in Iran.
In a strongly worded address, Ayatollah Khamenei accused Donald Trump of responsibility for the deaths of more than a thousand Iranians during what he described as a “twelve-day war.” He said those killed included ordinary citizens, alongside commanders, scientists, and senior figures.
Khamenei pointed to Trump’s own remarks about having “given the order” during the conflict, claiming this amounted to an admission of guilt. “He says he supports the Iranian nation, yet his hands are stained with the blood of Iranians,” Khamenei said, dismissing such claims as deceptive.
Warning against ‘rioters’
The supreme leader also warned against what he called “rioters” and “vandals” who, according to him, damaged public property in Tehran and other cities to gain favor with Washington.
Iran's Khamenei on Trump:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 9, 2026
His hands are stained with the blood of more than a thousand Iranians.
In the twelve-day war, a thousand and some of our compatriots—aside from the commanders, scientists, and dignitaries, from the ordinary people—were martyred.
This person said that… pic.twitter.com/DRuPNUOHvh
He alleged that some individuals were acting to “please the President of America,” adding that such actions amounted to serving foreign interests. “Our nation does not tolerate mercenarism for foreigners,” Khamenei said, declaring that those who align themselves with outside powers are rejected by the Iranian people.
Call for unity
Addressing Iran’s youth directly, Khamenei urged unity and vigilance, saying a united nation could overcome any enemy. He stressed that the Islamic Republic was founded through the sacrifices of “hundreds of thousands” and would not retreat in the face of destruction or unrest.
He also issued a sharp rebuke to Trump, saying the U.S. president should focus on problems within his own country rather than commenting on Iran’s internal affairs.
Khamenei drew historical parallels, warning that arrogant rulers are often overthrown at the height of their power. He cited figures such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Iran’s former monarchs, Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah, suggesting Trump could face a similar fate.
“This one will be overthrown as well,” he said, without elaborating further.
Context
Khamenei’s remarks come amid heightened unrest in Iran, driven by economic pressures and political discontent. Authorities have restricted internet access nationwide as protests spread across major cities.
Earlier, Trump said it would not be appropriate for him to meet Iran’s self-proclaimed Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, signaling Washington’s reluctance to officially back a successor to Iran’s current leadership. While Trump has warned Tehran against violent crackdowns on protesters, he has stopped short of endorsing any single opposition figure.
