Tehran, Jan 18 (V7N) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that several thousand people were killed during recent anti-government protests across the country, but placed the blame squarely on US President Donald Trump.

According to a report by CNN News, Khamenei made the remarks in a televised address to the nation on Sunday. He alleged that President Trump openly encouraged the protesters and even promised them military support.

Calling the US president a “criminal,” Khamenei said the United States bears responsibility for the loss of life and destruction caused during the unrest. However, he did not comment on the role of Iranian security forces in suppressing the protests.

Human rights organizations have claimed that more than 3,000 people were killed as a result of firing by Iranian security forces, though these figures have not been independently verified. In contrast, Iran’s Foreign Minister has stated that the death toll does not exceed a few hundred.

In his speech, Khamenei said that some protesters were acting under the influence of foreign powers, while others were misguided young people who had resorted to violence. He accused demonstrators of attacking government offices, banks, educational institutions and religious sites.

During the height of the protests, internet services across Iran were almost completely shut down. Although limited connectivity has recently been restored, authorities say the situation has yet to fully normalize.

Political analysts warn that the government’s hard-line response to the protests, combined with escalating rhetoric against the United States, may further deepen Iran’s political and social crisis.

END/SMA/AJ