Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said US President Donald Trump bore responsibility for casualties and damage during Iran’s recent unrest, alleging US and Israeli encouragement of protests.
Speaking in Tehran after security forces reasserted control, Khamenei claimed “several thousand” people were killed by groups linked to foreign powers, and said more than 250 mosques were damaged.
Key developments
• Protests began in late December among traders and spread nationwide amid acute economic pressure.
• The Iranian rial reportedly lost 40 per cent of its value, with inflation above 40 per cent and food prices up 70 per cent.
• Trump publicly backed protesters, while exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi announced plans to return to Iran, fuelling expectations of external support.
• Authorities say hundreds of security personnel were killed and blame foreign-backed “terrorist” groups, notably Israel.
Khamenei urged unity and warned against undermining President Masoud Pezeshkian, acknowledging severe economic hardship and calling for intensified government action.
ℹ️ AFP, Financial Times
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