Tehran labels Trump ‘main killer’ amid escalating unrest in Iran

Tehran: Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s recent public support for Iranian protesters, accusing Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being “the main killers of the people of Iran.” Larijani’s remarks were posted on his official X account, where he listed “1- Trump” and “2- Netanyahu” as principal culprits in the ongoing unrest.

In a separate X post, Larijani said the “American people should know, Trump started this adventurism” and urged awareness of U.S. soldiers’ safety in the context of U.S. warnings about intervention in Iran’s internal affairs.

President Trump has publicly urged Iranian demonstrators to continue protesting and said “help is on its way,” according to a post on his Truth Social account. Trump did not detail what form assistance might take but also warned that the United States would take “very strong action” if Iranian authorities executed protesters, particularly by hanging.


Trump additionally cancelled meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters ends and suspended diplomatic engagements, according to Reuters reporting on his comments.

The protests are among the most widespread in Iran in years, with Iranian authorities imposing extensive internet blackouts and rights groups estimating more than 2,500 deaths and over 18,000 arrests. European nations have condemned the crackdown, summoning Iranian envoys and considering sanctions, while the United Nations has called for an end to violence.

Iran has rejected foreign interference, with multiple officials accusing the United States and Israel of inciting unrest. Tehran also indicated it remains open to dialogue on some issues, even as tensions persist.