Furthermore, Khamenei criticized the protesters, claiming that there is a group of people willing to harm their country for Trump's approval. He also characterized the American president's statements in support of the protesters as unconvincing, urging him to focus on the internal problems of the United States.
According to Khamenei, "The U.S. president says that if the Islamic Republic takes certain steps, he will support the protesters. He should rather deal with the problems of his own country, which is already facing numerous difficulties."
Protests in Iran have been ongoing since December 28, starting at the main bazaar in Tehran, where merchants closed their shops in protest against hyperinflation and rising prices. By December 29, the exchange rate of the Iranian rial had reached a historic low—about 0.00002 euros for one rial.
Previously, Khamenei had spoken about the need for a tough approach to participants in the unrest. According to the human rights organization IHRNGO, at least 45 people have died in the first 12 days of protests, including eight minors; hundreds were injured, and more than 2,000 people have been detained since December 28, 2025.
