On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei unleashed a fiery critique against U.S. President Donald Trump, denouncing him as a “criminal” and accusing the United States of instigating the most deadly protests Iran has faced in decades.

According to reports from Iranian media, Khamenei stated, “The latest anti-Iran sedition was different in that the U.S. President personally became involved,” highlighting Trump’s direct involvement in the unrest, as noted by Reuters.

This statement marks a continuation of the Iranian government’s narrative, which places blame on the United States for fostering instability within the country. Tehran specifically identifies Trump as a key player in what it deems foreign-orchestrated turmoil, and it has also implicated Israel in these accusations.

The protests, which erupted in late December, initially centered around economic grievances but swiftly evolved into widespread demonstrations against the regime. These protests have been met with a harsh response from security forces, intensifying the situation.

In a recent official address, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was pictured alongside the flag of the Iranian regime, symbolizing his position of authority as he addresses the nation amidst the ongoing unrest.

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.