Iran's Supreme Leader Admits Thousands Killed in Protests, Blames Trump

Khamenei claims former US president incited unrest, leading to tragic outcome

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:08am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of self-driving cars.As tensions over autonomous vehicles escalate, a recent wave of targeted street vandalism exposes pent-up frustration with driverless technology.Union Today

In a shocking revelation, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has admitted that thousands of Iranians lost their lives during a period of civil unrest, astonishingly placing the blame on former US President Donald Trump. Khamenei claims Trump incited the protesters with promises of military support, leading to the tragic outcome.

Why it matters

Khamenei's speech raises questions about the Iranian government's role in the violence, as he attributed the deaths to a pre-planned sedition. The supreme leader's address also warned of consequences for those involved in the riots, further escalating tensions.

The details

The unrest, which began in late December, was initially a response to dire economic conditions. Khamenei categorized the protesters as either being directly supported, funded, and trained by the US and Israel or young people influenced by them. He labeled the latter group as naive individuals manipulated by ringleaders, claiming they damaged various institutions. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, disputed the reported death toll, suggesting it was part of a misinformation campaign. In contrast, Trump publicly encouraged protesters to continue and take over institutions, promising help.

  • The unrest began in late December 2025.
  • Khamenei's speech was shared on his website in April 2026.

The players

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran, who admitted that thousands of Iranians were killed during the protests and blamed former US President Donald Trump for inciting the unrest.

Donald Trump

The former US president, whom Khamenei accused of being a 'criminal' responsible for the casualties and damage during the protests in Iran.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister, who disputed the reported death toll, suggesting it was part of a misinformation campaign.

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA)

A US-based organization that reported over 3,000 deaths during the protests, a figure that remains unverified.

Erfan Soltani

A protester whose fate remains uncertain, as he was initially said to be executed but later reported to have his sentence postponed.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.