17.01.2026 21:30
U.S. President Donald Trump responded sharply to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who held him responsible for the casualties in protests across Iran. Trump directly targeted Khamenei, stating that Iran "needs new leadership." He argued that Khamenei is the main culprit for the violence in the country and expressed that Iran is one of the worst countries in the world due to poor leadership.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded harshly to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's accusation that he is responsible for the casualties in protests across Iran. Trump directly targeted Khamenei, stating that Iran "needs new leadership."
"KHAMENEI IS A SICK MAN"
In a statement to Politico, Trump used strong language regarding Khamenei. The U.S. President said, "Khamenei is a sick man. He should manage his country properly and stop killing people. Iran is one of the worst countries in the world due to bad leadership."
"HE HAS LED HIS COUNTRY TO COMPLETE RUIN"
Trump argued that Khamenei is the main culprit for the violence in his country, stating, "As a country leader, what he is guilty of is the complete ruin of the country and the use of violence at an unprecedented level."
KHAMENEI HAD BLAMED THE U.S. AND ISRAEL
Trump's remarks came after recent statements made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei had acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people had lost their lives during the protests and blamed the U.S. and Israel for the events. Khamenei also directly targeted Trump, claiming that the Washington administration was behind the protests.
TENSIONS ARE ESCALATING
The mutual harsh statements have led to comments that tensions between the U.S. and Iran could escalate further, while Trump's emphasis on "new leadership" has drawn attention from the international community.