Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called Donald Trump a “criminal” this Saturday (17), due to the United States president’s support for recent anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern country, according to state news agency Tasnim.
Khamenei insinuated that Trump was to blame for the victims and damage caused during the demonstrations against the regime, as well as being behind the “accusations” against the Iranian nation, Tasnim reported.
During the unrest, the American leader encouraged protesters to continue protesting and “take control” of the country’s institutions, adding that “help is on the way.”
Thus, Khamenei said the United States must be held accountable for its actions, according to Iranian state news agency Fars.
“We do not seek to lead the country to war, but we will also not allow internal criminals to go unpunished”, said the supreme leader, according to Fars.
However, he acknowledged that the country’s economic situation – one of the main reasons for the protests – is “challenging”, highlighted Tasnim.
“Government officials need to redouble their efforts – especially in critical areas such as ensuring the supply of essential goods, livestock feed and other needs of the population – and work with more determination than ever before,” Khamenei said.
Understand the protests in Iran
Anti-government protests in Iran erupted across the country in late December in a wave of national unrest that poses the biggest challenge to the regime in years.
The protests began as demonstrations in Tehran’s bazaars against rampant inflation, but spread across the country and turned into more general demonstrations against the regime.
Concerns about inflation reached a fever pitch last week when prices of staples like cooking oil and chicken soared dramatically overnight, with some products disappearing from shelves altogether.
The situation was worsened by the central bank’s decision to end a program that allowed some importers to access cheaper US dollars compared to the rest of the market – which led retailers to increase prices and some to close their doors, triggering protests.
The decision by the bazaaris, as they are known, is a drastic measure for a group traditionally aligned with the Islamic Republic.
The reformist-led government tried to ease the pressure by offering direct transfers of almost $7 a month, but the measure failed to quell dissatisfaction.
Authorities cut internet access and telephone lines on Thursday (8) – the biggest night of national demonstrations so far – leaving Iran virtually isolated from the outside world.
Human rights organizations said hundreds of people have been killed since the protests began.
Meanwhile, the US president, Donald Trumpthreatened to attack Iran if security forces respond with force. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneicalled on Trump to “focus on his own country” and blamed the US for inciting the protests.
