Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump as having hands “stained with the blood of Iranians” as supporters shouted “Death to America!” in footage aired by Iranian state television. AdvertisementIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks on Iranian state television in Tehran, Iran on Sept. 23, 2025. Iranian state media alleged “terrorist agents” of the U.S. and Israel set fires and sparked violence. Trump warned last week that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.”AdvertisementIn an interview with talk show host Hugh Hewitt aired Thursday, Trump reiterated his pledge. “I’m not sure that it would be appropriate at this point to do that as president,” Trump said.

Source: Huffington Post January 09, 2026 10:20 UTC