Trump Calls for End to Khamenei's Reign, Demands New Iranian Leadership
US President Donald Trump made a bold statement on Saturday. He directly called for the end of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 37-year rule over Iran. Speaking to POLITICO, Trump declared it was time for Iran to seek new leadership. This strong demand came as widespread protests across Iran appeared to weaken.
Violent Crackdown Sparks Trump's Threats
The protests demanding regime change had faced a brutal response. Over the last three weeks, thousands of Iranian protesters lost their lives. This violent crackdown prompted President Trump to issue repeated threats of military intervention. He warned Iran's leaders about potential consequences.
On Tuesday, Trump encouraged Iranians to continue their protests. He urged them to take over institutions and promised help was coming. However, the president suddenly changed his position the very next day. Trump claimed he received information that the killings had stopped.
Direct Confrontation Between Leaders
When questioned about possible US military action in Iran, Trump referenced recent events. He noted that Khamenei's best decision was not executing more than 800 people two days earlier. This comment highlighted the tense situation.
Trump's remarks followed hostile messages from Khamenei's X account. The Iranian leader accused Trump of responsibility for deadly violence and unrest in Iran. Khamenei wrote that the US president was guilty for casualties, damages, and slander against the Iranian nation.
In another post, Khamenei criticized Trump's characterization of violent groups. He called it an appalling slander that these groups represented the Iranian people. After hearing these posts, Trump fired back with strong words.
Trump's Scathing Criticism of Iranian Governance
Trump accused Tehran's rulers of relying on repression and violence to maintain power. He stated that Khamenei, as a country's leader, was guilty of complete national destruction. Trump claimed Iran's leadership used violence at unprecedented levels.
The US president offered advice to Iranian leaders. He suggested they should focus on running their country properly, similar to how he manages the United States. Trump emphasized that leadership should not involve killing thousands to maintain control.
Trump added a fundamental principle about leadership. He stated that true leadership is about respect, not fear and death. This philosophical point contrasted sharply with his description of Iran's current situation.
Escalating Rhetoric at Volatile Moment
This exchange marked a significant escalation in rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. The region faces particular volatility at this moment. The tension increased after Khamenei recently claimed in a public address that Iran had defeated America.
Trump responded with personal criticism of the Iranian leader. He called Khamenei a sick man who should properly run his country and stop killing people. Trump made a sweeping statement about living conditions under Khamenei's rule.
According to Trump, Iran has become the worst place to live anywhere in the world. He attributed this directly to poor leadership. These comments represent some of Trump's strongest language yet about Iran's political system.
The confrontation highlights deep divisions between the two nations. It comes during a period of significant unrest within Iran and heightened tensions internationally. Both leaders appear determined to assert their positions strongly.
