Donald Trump criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeling him a “sick man” and Iran as the “worst place to live” following anti-government protests in Iran that reportedly resulted in over 3,000 deaths. Khamenei retaliated by calling Trump a “criminal” for allegedly supporting the protesters, leading to the casualties.

Trump expressed the need for new leadership in Iran, emphasizing the necessity for Khamenei to govern the country properly and cease the violence. Khamenei, in a televised speech, acknowledged that “several thousand” people died during the protests and accused the US president of instigating the unrest and seeking to dominate Iran economically and politically.

The verbal exchanges between the two leaders continued, with Trump mentioning the cancellation of planned executions in Iran and hinting at a possible shift away from military action. However, Tehran Prosecutor Gen. Ali Salehi dismissed Trump’s statements as irrelevant and emphasized Iran’s firm stance against interference.

Both leaders traded accusations, with Trump pledging support to Iranian protesters and warning of consequences for continued violence, while Khamenei blamed external forces for arming rioters and vowed to address both domestic and international offenders. The escalating tensions reflect the strained relationship between the US and Iran.