Khamenei makes rare second appearance as protests grip Iran, signals showdown with Trump |US, Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his second public appearance since nationwide protests erupted in December, directly blaming U.S. President Donald Trump for fuelling unrest and bloodshed across the country. In a rare speech on January 17, Khamenei branded Trump a “criminal,” accused Washington of plotting to destabilise Iran, and claimed the U.S. goal was to “dominate and devour” the nation. He alleged Trump personally encouraged rioters while falsely portraying “vandals” as the Iranian people. The remarks come as protests rage, more than 2,500 deaths are reported, and tensions soar after Trump warned Tehran against executing demonstrators.