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18 January 2026|The Hindu
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International RelationsNEWS

Iran's Leader Accuses Trump of Criminality for Supporting Protests

Iran's Supreme Leader brands Trump a 'criminal' for backing 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.

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.

Key Facts

1

Khamenei: Trump is a 'criminal' for backing protests

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Protests: Resulted in 'several thousand' deaths

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Indians: Returned from Iran on commercial flights

Latest 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.

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