Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday dismissed remarks by former US President Donald Trump, urging him to address issues within his own country instead of commenting on Iran’s internal affairs.
Trump had earlier said the United States was monitoring developments in Iran “very closely,” warning that Washington would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities used deadly violence against protesters.
In response, Khamenei accused demonstrators of serving foreign interests, claiming that rioters were damaging public property at the direction of Trump. He cautioned that Iran would not tolerate what he described as “mercenaries for foreigners.”
Khamenei further accused Trump of responsibility for the deaths of more than a thousand Iranians and predicted that the “arrogant” US leader would eventually meet the same fate as Iran’s former imperial rulers, who were overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
His comments came as Iran witnessed its largest protests yet in nearly two weeks of unrest triggered by rising living costs. Demonstrators were seen chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and setting fire to government buildings, according to videos circulating on Friday.
Internet monitoring group Netblocks reported that Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout late Thursday, noting that the country had remained offline for at least 12 hours in what appeared to be an effort to curb the protests.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 34 protesters and four security personnel have been killed, with around 2,200 people arrested. Analysts say the unrest reflects growing dissatisfaction with Iran’s political and economic conditions.
Iranian officials have sought to balance their response, stating that economic grievances are legitimate and should be addressed through dialogue, while security forces have dispersed some demonstrations with tear gas amid clashes in the streets.