In a scathing critique on Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced President Donald Trump, calling him a “criminal” and accusing the United States of instigating the recent turmoil that has marked the most lethal protests in Iran in decades.

Khamenei’s remarks, reported by Iranian media and relayed by Reuters, emphasized that the “latest anti-Iran sedition was different” due to the direct involvement of the U.S. President. This accusation is part of a broader narrative from Tehran, which has consistently blamed foreign actors, particularly the U.S. and Israel, for fueling unrest and destabilizing the nation.

The protests, which erupted in late December, began as demonstrations against economic hardships but quickly escalated into broader anti-regime movements. The Iranian government’s response has been severe, with security forces employing heavy-handed tactics to suppress the demonstrations.

Images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alongside the Iranian regime flag during an official address in Tehran have circulated widely, symbolizing the regime’s position amidst growing international scrutiny. (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)

Human rights organizations have reported alarming figures, suggesting that thousands of protestors have lost their lives due to the government’s crackdown. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran recently estimated the death toll at 3,090, underscoring the brutal nature of the regime’s response.

Human rights groups say thousands of protesters have been killed in the unrest. Reports from various groups say Khamenei was responsible for a crackdown that killed thousands of protesters. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists in Iran on Friday put the death toll at 3,090.

The number, which exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution, continues to rise.

Meanwhile, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi told Bret Baier on “Special Report” on Monday that a minimum of 12,000 people were dead.

Trump has expressed support for Iranian protesters and talked about regime change, while some Republican lawmakers have openly urged Trump to consider military action.

Demonstrators burn a poster depicting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, in Holon, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.  (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The president said on Tuesday that he cut off meetings with the Iranian regime, saying there would be no contact until the government stops killing protesters. He also urged the Iranian people to “take over” the country.

When asked if Arab and Israeli officials “convinced” him to not strike Iran, Trump told reporters Friday that he convinced himself and cited the canceled hangings. 

Trump also expressed similar sentiments on social media Friday.

“I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been canceled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Friday. 

It is unclear who Trump spoke to in Iran to confirm the state of any planned executions. The statement echoes what White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday about the canceled executions. She maintained that all options remained on the table when it comes to dealing with Iran.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026.   (MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

“What I will say with respect to Iran is that the president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences,” Leavitt told reporters Thursday. “And the president received a message as he revealed to all of you and the whole world yesterday that the killing and the executions will stop. And the president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted.” 

It’s unclear from Trump’s post if he was referring to the 800 executions that were already canceled or whether there have been two consecutive days when 800 executions have been called off. 

Meanwhile, a sermon by Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami carried by Iranian state radio sparked chants from those gathered for prayers, including: “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!”

Khatami, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council long known for his hardline views, described the protesters as the “butlers” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers,” according to The Associated Press.

He said Netanyahu and Trump should await “hard revenge from the system.”

“Americans and Zionists should not expect peace,” the cleric said.