Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday accused US President Donald Trump of causing casualties during recent protests. US based Rights groups however claimed that Iranian security forces responded with deadly force. Khamenei made the remarks during a religious holiday address.
He said Iran held the American president responsible for deaths and damage. He also blamed Trump for accusations against the Iranian nation. Khamenei called the unrest an American conspiracy.
Khamenei said the United States aimed to dominate Iran again. He accused Washington of seeking military control. He also cited political and economic domination.
He said the Iranian nation would defeat seditionists. He compared the unrest to past acts of sedition. He said Iran would break their resistance.
Khamenei said Iran did not want war. He warned that Iran would punish domestic criminals. He said international criminals were worse and would not be spared.
Iranian authorities blamed the United States for fuelling violence. They described the unrest as a terrorist operation. Officials said it hijacked economic protests.
Iran saw weeks of demonstrations across the country. Protesters voiced anger over economic hardship. The unrest marked Iran’s biggest protests in more than three years.
Meanwhile, Trump changed his stance on military action. He adopted a “wait and see” position on Thursday. He shifted after issuing repeated warnings.
Trump cited assurances from key sources in Iran. He said Tehran had stopped using lethal force. He said executions would not take place. He thanked Iranian authorities for cancelling public executions.
When asked about military action, Trump responded cautiously. He said Washington would observe developments. He said the process would determine next steps.