# Iran’s leader calls Trump a ‘criminal’ for backing protests and blames demonstrators for deaths

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/irans-leader-calls-trump-a-criminal-for-backing-protests-and-blames-demonstrators-for-deaths/
- Published: 2026-01-18T09:00:00-06:00
- Author: Curated by Theresa Wysocki

Photo: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump during a meeting in the White House – January 15, 2026. Photo credit: Official White House photo by Daniel Torok via Flickr. US government work. Article by Elena Becatoros. AP News – January 17, 2026. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday branded U.S. President Donald Trump a “criminal” for supporting protesters in Iran, and blamed demonstrators for causing thousands of deaths. In a speech broadcast by state television, Khamenei said the protests had left “several thousand” people dead — the first indication from an Iranian leader of the extent of the casualties from the wave of protests that began Dec. 28 and led to a bloody crackdown. […] Click here to view original web page at www.apnews.com Video: Brooks and Capehart on Trump’s threats against Minnesota and Greenland – PBS NewsHour Related articles: Nobel Prize committee says Machado decision to give Trump award doesn’t change who won – The Hill Trump has pulled back from the brink on Iran – for now – The Guardian Khamenei Calls Trump a ‘Criminal,’ Says ‘Thousands’ Dead From Iran Protests – Newsweek Protests in Iran appear to have slowed as Khamenei claims Trump personally ‘encouraged’ unrest – NBC News Iran supreme leader acknowledges thousands killed during recent protests – BBC Curated by Theresa Wysocki See Full Bio