ALBAWABA — Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, didn't hold back in his condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of stoking violence and unrest during the recent protests in Iran, labeling him a "criminal" for the resulting deaths and destruction.
In a televised speech on Saturday, Khamenei asserted that Trump's comments directed at the Iranian people were a form of direct incitement. He contended that calls for protests and the seizure of state institutions posed a direct threat to Iran's internal stability. Khamenei further alleged that Washington was trying to meddle in Iran's internal affairs, all while pretending to support the demonstrators.
Khamenei also connected Trump to the casualties from last June's conflict between Iran and Israel, a conflict he claimed the United States had supported.
He cautioned that outside pressure wouldn't budge Iran, and that American leaders who pursued conflict would, in the end, be defeated, just as previous leaders were before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
U.S. Warning to Tehran
The U.S. State Department, in turn, acknowledged receiving reports suggesting Iran might be contemplating actions against American military bases. U.S. officials made it clear that any attack on American interests would trigger a strong response, and they advised Tehran against underestimating Trump's determination.
Washington stated it had already conveyed this stance to Iranian officials, stressing deterrence while keeping all options available.
Disputed Figures and Arrests
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has sought to minimize the international outcry regarding the number of deaths stemming from the protests. He claims the toll is in the hundreds, alleging that foreign entities are inflating the figures to pressure the U.S.
Conversely, the U.S.-based human rights organization HRANA puts the death toll at over 2,600, with tens of thousands more detained since the demonstrations began. Iranian state-affiliated media report approximately 3,000 arrests, including individuals characterized as armed or connected to proscribed groups.
From Escalation to Restraint
While Trump has often suggested military intervention in Iran, American statements have become less aggressive lately, following Tehran's announcement that it would stop executing prisoners. Even with more military resources sent to the area, Trump stated he chose not to authorize strikes, pointing to the halt in executions as a significant reason.
The situation is further complicated by Iran's worsening economic conditions and the most significant protests the country has seen in years, all while regional partners, such as Israel, observe closely. This standoff highlights the delicate equilibrium between escalating conflict and exercising restraint, given the persistent tensions between Washington and Tehran.
