Iran's Leader Accuses Trump of Criminality for Supporting Protests
Summary
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the U.S. of seeking control over Iran's resources and labeled U.S. President Donald Trump a "criminal" for supporting protesters in the Islamic Republic. Khamenei stated that the protests, which began on December 28, 2025, resulted in "several thousand" deaths following a bloody crackdown. He accused Trump of encouraging seditious people and offering military support. Many Indians, including students, have returned from Iran on commercial flights amid the widespread protests.
Full Analysis
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the U.S. of seeking control over Iran's resources and labeled U.S. President Donald Trump a "criminal" for supporting protesters in the Islamic Republic. Khamenei stated that the protests, which began on December 28, 2025, resulted in "several thousand" deaths following a bloody crackdown. He accused Trump of encouraging seditious people and offering military support. Many Indians, including students, have returned from Iran on commercial flights amid the widespread protests.
Background Context
The relationship between Iran and the United States has been fraught with tension for decades, stemming from the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, orchestrated by the CIA and MI6, which overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and reinstated the Shah. This event fostered deep resentment towards the U.S. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ousted the U.S.-backed Shah and established the Islamic Republic, marked a turning point, leading to the hostage crisis and subsequent economic sanctions. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), in which the U.S. indirectly supported Iraq, further strained relations. The U.S. has consistently accused Iran of supporting terrorism and pursuing nuclear weapons, while Iran views the U.S. as interfering in its internal affairs and seeking to undermine its sovereignty. This historical context is crucial for understanding the current accusations and tensions.
Current Developments
In recent years, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, signed in 2015, offered a brief period of improved relations. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump and the reimposition of sanctions have significantly escalated tensions. Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the JCPOA in response. The assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 further heightened tensions, bringing the two countries to the brink of conflict. Negotiations to revive the JCPOA have been ongoing, but progress has been slow and uncertain. The current protests in Iran, coupled with accusations of foreign interference, add another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship, making future prospects highly unpredictable.
Key Facts
- Khamenei: Trump is a 'criminal' for backing protests
- Protests: Resulted in 'several thousand' deaths
- Indians: Returned from Iran on commercial flights
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):
1. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries.
2. The JCPOA aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
3. All signatories to the JCPOA continue to fully adhere to the agreement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, and Iran has gradually reduced its compliance.
Question 2
Which of the following events significantly contributed to the deterioration of U.S.-Iran relations in the 20th century?
- The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
- The Iranian Revolution of 1979
- The Six-Day War between Israel and Arab states
- The collapse of the Soviet Union
Explanation: The Iranian Revolution of 1979, which ousted the U.S.-backed Shah and established the Islamic Republic, marked a turning point in U.S.-Iran relations.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Iran's Supreme Leader has accused the U.S. of seeking control over Iran's resources.
Reason (R): The U.S. has a long history of involvement in Iranian politics, including the 1953 coup.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true, but R is false
- A is false, but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the historical involvement of the U.S. in Iranian politics, including the 1953 coup, provides a valid explanation for the accusation.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Analyze the key factors that have shaped the complex and often adversarial relationship between the United States and Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979. What are the major points of contention, and how have these issues impacted regional stability and international relations?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 2024
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the recent protests in Iran, as per the provided news summary?
1. The protests began on December 28, 2025.
2. Iran's Supreme Leader accused the U.S. President of encouraging seditious people.
3. Many Indians returned from Iran on special chartered flights due to the protests.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are correct as per the summary. The summary mentions Indians returning on commercial flights, not chartered flights.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
Analyze the implications of the recent protests in Iran and the accusations made by Iran's Supreme Leader against the United States on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. What role can India play in mitigating tensions in the region?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2024 2024
According to the news summary, which country's leader has accused Donald Trump of being a 'criminal' for supporting protests?
- (a) Russia
- (b) Iran
- (c) China
- (d) North Korea
Explanation: The news summary states that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Donald Trump.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2024 2024
As per the provided information, the protests in Iran started on which date?
- (a) December 25, 2025
- (b) December 28, 2025
- (c) January 1, 2026
- (d) December 20, 2025
Explanation: The summary explicitly mentions that the protests began on December 28, 2025.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2024 2024
What is the primary concern for Indian nationals mentioned in the context of the Iran protests?
- (a) Economic sanctions
- (b) Safety and security
- (c) Visa restrictions
- (d) Trade relations
Explanation: The return of Indians on commercial flights suggests concerns about their safety and security amidst the protests.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2024 2024
Which of the following factors could potentially impact India's economy due to the situation in Iran?
- (a) Increased tourism
- (b) Fluctuations in oil prices
- (c) Enhanced trade relations
- (d) Decreased defense spending
Explanation: Instability in Iran can lead to fluctuations in oil prices, which directly impacts India's economy due to its dependence on oil imports.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2024 2024
The news summary mentions that protests in Iran resulted in 'several thousand' deaths. This situation primarily indicates which of the following?
- (a) Improved diplomatic relations
- (b) A peaceful resolution
- (c) A severe crackdown by the government
- (d) Increased foreign investment
Explanation: The high number of deaths suggests a severe crackdown by the government on the protesters.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2024 2024
Which country's involvement in the Iran protests is implied through accusations of offering military support to 'seditious people'?
- (a) Russia
- (b) China
- (c) United Kingdom
- (d) United States
Explanation: The accusation by Iran's leader against Trump implies US involvement through alleged military support.