'Trump is a criminal, responsible for deaths and destruction in Iran'; Khamenei launches sharp attack

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday branded US President Donald Trump a "criminal" and alleged that Trump is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people during protests in Iran. In a speech broadcast on state television, he said that thousands were killed during the protests. This is the first time Khamenei has publicly revealed this information.

Khamenei said the US president made a direct statement during the unrest in Iran and encouraged "traitors" to move forward. He also alleged that Trump had claimed the US was providing military support to the protesters. According to Khamenei, the United States is trying to establish economic and political control over Iran. He said Trump should be considered a criminal for the deaths and destruction caused.

Khamenei further claimed that the protesters were acting as foot soldiers of the United States and accused them of destroying mosques and educational institutions. Meanwhile, reports say that the US has stepped back from military action against Iran.