Iran’s Khamenei says US, Israel links behind ‘thousands killed’ in protests
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US and Israel of direct involvement in the recent protests, describing US President Donald Trump as a “criminal” personally engaged in the unrest.
- Khamenei blamed foreign-linked actors, particularly those connected to Israel and the US, for causing widespread bloodshed and destruction during the protests, which have lasted more than two weeks.
- Iranian authorities have increasingly accused Israel and the US of fomenting instability and directing protest operations on the ground.
- While warning of consequences for those responsible, Khamenei emphasized Iran would avoid escalating the conflict beyond its borders but would not allow perpetrators to go unpunished.
- These statements reflect Tehran’s increasingly hardline position amid ongoing protests
