Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday took a sharp swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing anti-government protests in Iran, telling him to focus on managing his own country instead of commenting on Iran’s internal affairs.

In a post on X, Khamenei accused the US President of encouraging unrest in Iran while ignoring domestic challenges in the United States.
“The President of the United States declared that if the Iranian government did this or that, he would side with the rioters. The rioters have placed their hopes in him. If he is so competent, let him manage his own country then,” Khamenei wrote.

The remarks came after Trump said the United States was “ready to help” Iranian protesters, as demonstrations across Iran entered their second week. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Khamenei’s comments reflect rising tensions between Tehran and Washington as protests spread across multiple Iranian cities. The unrest is being described as one of the most serious challenges to the Supreme Leader’s authority in recent years.

Earlier, Khamenei accused the US administration of being behind the large-scale protests, alleging that demonstrators were acting to please the American President. Speaking at a public event, he said some protesters had engaged in vandalism to gain Washington’s support, according to Iranian state media.

Trump has repeatedly expressed support for Iranian protesters and warned Iranian authorities against using force to suppress demonstrations. He has also threatened military action if protesters are killed, further escalating tensions between the two countries.

ALSO READ: Kashmir: Naranag offers ensemble of spiritualism, history, nature, and life

Meanwhile, protests have also taken place within the United States. On Saturday, demonstrations were reported in cities including Minneapolis and Los Angeles following the killing of a woman by a federal immigration agent in Minnesota, according to CNN. Police issued dispersal orders in parts of downtown Los Angeles as protests continued near federal buildings.