Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched a strong attack on US President Donald Trump, accusing him of instigating and supporting protests in Iran. Khamenei described Trump as a “criminal” responsible for unrest and loss of lives, claiming the demonstrations were part of a US plot to weaken Iran and expand American influence.
Responding to the criticism, President Trump said Iran must seek new leadership and end Khamenei’s decades-long rule. In an interview with Politico, Trump accused the Iranian leadership of violently suppressing recent protests, alleging that thousands of demonstrators had been killed over the past three weeks. He said governance should be based on respect rather than fear, and described Khamenei as unfit to lead, blaming mismanagement for worsening living conditions in the country.
Meanwhile, reports said Trump had cancelled last-minute plans to carry out military strikes on Tehran. An Iranian diplomat in Pakistan said the US President had assured that no military action is planned at present, easing immediate tensions. The White House also noted that Iran had revoked death sentences against protesters following US warnings, leading to the reopening of its airspace.
US personnel who were earlier withdrawn from key military bases in West Asia, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, have returned, and security alert levels have been reduced, according to Reuters. Analysts say that although tensions remain high, recent steps by both sides have temporarily lowered the risk of further escalation.