Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Trump and Khamenei Clash Over Iran Protests
There are big protests happening in Iran because people are upset about money problems and the government.
The leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, says the U.S. and other countries are causing trouble.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, says Khamenei is a bad leader and that Iran needs new leadership.
Trump also says Khamenei is using violence to control people.
Khamenei says he won't let the troublemakers go free, but he doesn't want a war.
Many people have been hurt or arrested during the protests, and both leaders are blaming each other for what's happening.
Some people in Iran want big changes, and there's a lot of tension between the U.S. and Iran.
Protests in Iran, which started on December 28, have led to over 3,000 deaths and 22,000 arrests, with calls for an end to the Ayatollah regime.
US President Donald Trump criticized Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for new leadership and accusing him of using violence to maintain control.
Khamenei blamed the U.S. and Israel for instigating the protests, causing casualties and damage, and rejected calls for regime change.
Trump suggested potential U.S. intervention and supported the protesters, while Khamenei warned against international interference and vowed to punish those responsible.
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to protest and appealed to Trump for support in transitioning to a secular democracy.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- What
- A public exchange of accusations and calls for change in Iran's leadership amid ongoing protests
- When
- Protests started on December 28, with recent statements made on Saturday
- Where
- Iran and the United States
- Why
- Protests over economic hardship and political change, leading to a harsh crackdown and international involvement
Donald Trump
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Leadership in Iran
Donald Trump
Trump called for new leadership in Iran, criticizing Khamenei's rule as destructive and violent.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Khamenei rejected calls for new leadership, asserting his authority and blaming external forces for the unrest.
Responsibility for Protests
Donald Trump
Trump accused Khamenei of using violence and repression to maintain control, causing widespread suffering.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Khamenei blamed the U.S. and Israel for instigating the protests, causing casualties and damage.
International Involvement
Donald Trump
Trump suggested potential U.S. intervention and supported the protesters, encouraging them to take over state institutions.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Khamenei warned against international interference, stating that Iran would not seek war but would punish those responsible for the unrest.
- Protest Start Date
- December 28
- Protest Causes
- Inflation, currency devaluation, and political change
- Protest Spread
- All 31 provinces of Iran
- Death Toll
- Over 3,000 (including 2,885 protesters)
- Arrests
- Over 22,000
- Trump's Stance
- Called for new leadership, criticized Khamenei's rule
- Khamenei's Stance
- Blamed U.S. and Israel, rejected regime change
- Exiled Crown Prince
- Reza Pahlavi
Sources
Death toll in Iran protests over 3,000, rights group says
Iran protests: over 3,000 killed as internet blackout eases
Iran unrest: Tehran sees ‘quiet’ days, toll rises to 3000, Indian student recalls protest — ‘anger visible in eyes’
'When You Can't Contact Family...': First Flight of Indians From Iran Lands
‘I greatly respect the fact...’: Did Trump just ‘thank’ Iranian leadership for cancelling executions?
Over 3,000 killed in Iran protests as internet slowly restores, rights groups say
Khamenei holds 'criminal' Trump responsible for casualties as death toll climb 3000 Iran protests
‘US Seeks To Restore Dominance In Iran’: Khamenei As Middle East Tensions Simmer
Several Indians Fly Back from Protest-Hit Iran in Commercial Flights
Warm embraces, tears of joy as families reunited with loved ones stranded in Iran
Indians return from Iran on commercial flights amid protests and crackdown - Telegraph India
Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal,’ blames him for slander, casualties and damage during protest
Over 3,000 Killed in Iran Protests as Internet Slowly Restores, Rights Groups Say
"Guilty For Causalities, Damages": Iran's Khamenei Blames Trump For Unrest
Indian Students' Emotional Reunion With Family After Return From Iran
Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal’, terms anti-govt protests an ‘American plot’
Iran’s leader Khamenei blames Trump for inciting deadly protests
Iran's Khamenei Says Authorities Must Break The Back Of The Seditionists
Indians Return Safely From Protest-Hit Iran On Commercial Flights Amid Unrest | VIDEO
Iran protests: Eyewitnesses recount brutal acts of violence as Indians return home in commercial flights
Iran’s leader Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal’, blames US president for inciting deadly protests
‘My Nightmare’: Iranians Describe Crackdown Amid Internet Blackout
Iran’s leader Khamenei accuses Trump of inciting deadly protests
Khamenei issues big warning to Trump: ‘Iran will break the back of those who instigated it’
Iranians Cross Into Turkey To Bypass Internet Blackout
What we know about Iran protest deaths after supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei broke silence on protest killings
Iran's Khamenei admits for the first time that thousands killed in ongoing anti-government protests
‘Time for new leadership in Iran’: Trump accuses Khamenei of killing people, calls him ‘sick man’
'We Consider US President Criminal': Iran's Khamenei Blames Trump For Backing Protests
‘Worst place to live anywhere’: Trump bats for ‘new leadership in Iran’ as Khamenei accuses him of inciting deadly protests
