Delivering a sharp response to US President Donald Trump’s warnings against Tehran’s measures to curb dissent, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday accused him of inflicting massive bloodshed and promoting destabilisation in the Islamic Republic. He reaffirmed his resolve to neither retreat, nor bow to any pressure tactics, as Tehran continues to reel from massive public demonstrations.
Speaking in remarks broadcast on state television, Khamenei said Trump should expect the same fate as past rulers he described as tyrants. “Trump should know that world tyrants such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza were brought down at the peak of their arrogance,” he said. “He too will be brought down.”
The supreme leader framed the unrest inside Iran as part of an external plot, rejecting any suggestion that the government might concede ground.
“Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic came to power with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honourable people, and it will not back down in the face of saboteurs,” he said, vowing not to give in or succumb to any intimidation tactics.
Turning directly to the protests, Khamenei accused demonstrators of acting to curry favour with Washington. “They want to make him happy,” he said, referring to Trump. “If he knew how to run a country, he would run his own,” he added, pointing to the many ongoing problems in the US.
Not giving any signs of softening, Tehran further reinforced its message of zero tolerance to protesters, as the ongoing war of words between Tehran and Washington continues to intensify.
Khamenei also recounted the recent 12-day war in June against US-backed Israel, stating “More than a thousand of our compatriots were martyred.”
Accusing Trump of openly admitting responsibility for committing attacks in Iran and spilling blood, he quoted the US president’s own statement where he (Trump) had referenced the US airstrikes in June 22, 2025, and said , “I gave the order and I commanded the attack.”
“That is an admission,” Khamenei said, “that his hands are stained with the blood of Iranians.”
The comments came as Iran grapples with its most serious unrest in years, with protests spreading across multiple regions and authorities responding with arrests, force and severe restrictions on internet access.
While officials have consistently blamed foreign actors for fuelling the demonstrations, the scale and persistence of the protests have underscored widespread anger over political repression, economic hardship and governance.
In closing remarks, Khamenei appealed to loyalists, particularly the younger generation, to remain steadfast. “Dear young people, keep your readiness and your unity,” he said. “A united nation will overcome any enemy.”
