In his speech, which was broadcast on state television, Khamenei stated: “We consider the President of the United States to be a criminal who is responsible for the victims, damage, and slander against the Iranian people.”
He also pointed out that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, incited the protesters by promising them military assistance.
The Supreme Leader added that the protesters were armed with firearms that had come from abroad, although he did not specify from where exactly.
Khamenei emphasized that the Iranian authorities intend to hold accountable both the protesters and those whom they believe provoked them.
He said: “We are not leading the country to war, but we will not leave unpunished those who violate the laws, as well as international offenders.”
According to data from the Iranian human rights agency HRANA, based in the United States, more than three thousand people have died as a result of the brutal suppression of protests, as reported by the BBC Russian Service. Some human rights defenders claim that the death toll may be even higher. It is difficult to obtain accurate information from Iran due to the internet blockade in the country.
Earlier, Donald Trump urged Iranian demonstrators to “continue the protests” and stated that the U.S. could resort to military intervention if the Iranian authorities began repression.
Trump also mentioned that the United States is considering several “very tough” measures against Iran, including the possibility of military strikes. However, as of January 17, no attacks had been carried out. AFP reported on January 15 that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman persuaded Trump to refrain from attacking Iran. On January 16, Trump stated that no one had tried to convince him otherwise, adding: “I convinced myself.”
