US-Israel behind ‘thousands of killings’ during protests: Khamenei

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has alleged that the United States and Israel were directly involved in the violence and killings that occurred during weeks of protests across Iran. He also described US President Donald Trump as a “criminal”, according to reports carried by Iran’s state media on Saturday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the recent anti-Iran conspiracy was different, as the US president had been personally involved.

He accused various foreign-linked groups of being responsible for widespread bloodshed and destruction across the country. Khamenei said forces connected to Israel and the United States caused extensive damage and killed thousands of people. He claimed that the protests, which shook Iran for more than two weeks, were fuelled by foreign powers.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly alleged foreign involvement in the nationwide unrest, accusing long-time geopolitical rivals, particularly Israel and the United States, of instigating violence and operating on the ground.

Issuing a warning, Khamenei said Iran would not allow the conflict to spread beyond its borders, but those deemed responsible would not escape consequences. “We will not drag the country into war. But domestic or international criminals will have to face punishment,” he said.

Addressing supporters at a religious gathering on Saturday, Iran’s supreme leader said, “We hold the US president responsible for the accusations, destruction and loss of life inflicted on the Iranian nation.”

He described the events as a US conspiracy, saying America’s goal was to dominate Iran once again by bringing it under US military, political and economic control.