Iran’s Khamenei Tells Trump To Steer Clear As Anti-Government Protests Spread

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has told United States President Donald Trump to “focus on the problems of his own country” as anti-government protests continued to spread across Iran.

In a televised address on Friday, Khamenei accused protesters of acting to please Washington, saying: “There are some agitators who want to please the American president by destroying public property. A united Iranian people will defeat all enemies. I urgently call on Trump to focus on the problems of his own country.”

In his first public remarks since the protests began, the Iranian leader insisted the government would not yield, stating: “The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of noble human beings. The Islamic Republic will not back down in the face of those who are looking to destroy us.”

Khamenei’s comments followed renewed threats by Trump, who on Thursday warned of a possible attack on Iran if security forces kill protesters.

The demonstrations, which began over worsening economic conditions, have escalated into the most serious anti-regime protests in years.

Authorities on Thursday cut internet access and telephone lines in Tehran and several other cities amid growing unrest. According to Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO, at least 45 protesters, including eight children, have been killed since the protests erupted nearly two weeks ago.

The latest wave of demonstrations is the largest since nationwide protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the religious police in 2022.