Washington DC [US]: US President Donald Trump on Saturday openly called for a change in Iran’s leadership, sharply criticising the long-standing rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid intensifying nationwide protests across the Islamic Republic.
In an interview, Trump said Iran needs “new leadership,” holding the current regime responsible for the country’s economic collapse, rising inflation and growing public dissatisfaction. He accused Iran’s leadership of maintaining control through force and repression rather than effective governance.
Trump alleged that the ruling establishment has inflicted severe damage on the nation, claiming that excessive violence has been used to suppress dissent. He said true leadership should be based on respect and accountability, not fear or mass casualties.
The US President also launched a personal attack on Khamenei, describing him as ineffective and asserting that worsening living conditions in Iran are the direct result of poor governance.
Trump’s remarks came in response to statements by Khamenei, who accused the US President of instigating unrest in Iran. In a series of posts on X, the Iranian leader blamed Washington for violence during the protests and dismissed Trump’s support for demonstrators.
Khamenei further alleged that the US falsely portrayed violent groups as representatives of the Iranian people, calling such claims defamatory. He accused Trump of backing what he described as “seditionists” and claimed the US was actively destabilising the country.
The exchange highlights the escalating war of words between Washington and Tehran as Iran continues to grapple with prolonged unrest.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), protests across Iran have continued for more than three weeks, accompanied by internet restrictions and heightened security measures. The agency reported that over 3,300 people have been killed so far, with thousands injured or detained. More than 24,000 arrests have been recorded, while several thousand cases remain under investigation.
For the first time, Khamenei has acknowledged that thousands of people have lost their lives during the unrest, marking a rare admission amid the ongoing crisis.
