Iran Supreme Leader Targets Trump Amid Nationwide Unrest

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a strongly worded televised address on Friday amid escalating nationwide protests, directly targeting U.S. President Donald Trump as "arrogant" and accusing him of having "hands stained with the blood of Iranians. "Khamenei claimed that Trump would eventually be "overthrown" and urged him to focus on domestic problems in the United States rather than interfering in Iran's internal affairs. The speech came as anti-government demonstrations, now in their second week, intensified following a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for coordinated protests.

Khamenei described the demonstrators as "vandals" and "saboteurs" who were "ruining their own streets" to please a foreign leader, while insisting that the Islamic Republic would not back down. He accused foreign "mercenaries" of orchestrating the unrest and warned that the country would not tolerate such elements. State television aired the address live, framing the protests as the work of U.S.-Israeli "terrorist agents."

The protests gained significant momentum after Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of the last Shah, called for nationwide demonstrations at 8 p.m. local time on Thursday and Friday. Thousands responded by taking to the streets, rooftops, and windows across Tehran and other provinces, chanting slogans against the regime and Supreme Leader Khamenei. Pahlavi praised the protesters, stating he was "proud of each and everyone who took to the streets" and reiterated that "Iranians demanded their freedom tonight."

Also Read: Trump’s Control Over Venezuelan Oil Poses Risks to China’s Energy Investments

Security forces have responded with force, with reports confirming at least 34 protesters killed and over 2,270 detained since the unrest began. A prosecutor and several security personnel were reportedly killed in clashes, while police stations were attacked and buses set on fire in Khorasan Razavi Province. Iranian state media blamed "foreign agents" for the violence.

International airlines have been affected by the unrest and airspace restrictions, with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus cancelling or diverting Istanbul-Tehran flights, and several Dubai-Iran routes suspended on Friday. France called on Iranian authorities to exercise "maximum restraint" toward protesters.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that Khamenei was "looking to go somewhere" amid the unrest and expressing uncertainty about meeting the exiled crown prince, saying, "I'm not sure it would be appropriate at this point." He reiterated warnings that any violent suppression of peaceful protests would lead to severe consequences for Tehran.

The protests, initially triggered by economic hardship and the collapse of the rial, have evolved into one of the most sustained challenges to the Islamic Republic in recent years. With communications blackouts, heavy security presence, and growing international attention, the situation remains highly volatile as both sides show no immediate signs of de-escalation. Live updates continue to emerge as demonstrations persist across the country.

Also Read: Trump Cites Fraud Concerns as Child Care Funding is Withheld in Five US States