Washington DC [US], January 18, 2026: Amid intensifying anti-government protests in Iran, US President Donald Trump on Saturday openly questioned the legitimacy of Iran’s current leadership, stating that the country needs “new leadership” after nearly four decades under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking in an interview with Politico, Trump sharply criticised Tehran’s ruling establishment, alleging that it survives through repression and excessive use of force rather than public trust. He said Iran’s leadership has presided over economic collapse, soaring inflation and widespread public dissatisfaction.
“What the leader of that country is responsible for is the near-total ruin of Iran and the use of violence on an unimaginable scale,” Trump remarked. He added that a government’s primary duty is to govern effectively, not to maintain control through fear. “Leadership is built on respect, not on fear and death,” he said.
Trump also took a personal swipe at Khamenei, accusing him of failing his people and describing Iran as one of the most difficult places to live due to what he termed “catastrophic leadership.” He urged Iran’s rulers to focus on governance instead of crushing dissent.
The comments came shortly after Ayatollah Khamenei blamed the United States—and Trump in particular—for the ongoing unrest in Iran. In a series of posts on X, the Iranian Supreme Leader accused Washington of fuelling violence and falsely portraying protestors as representing the Iranian nation.
Khamenei alleged that Trump had supported what he called “seditionists,” accusing the US President of encouraging vandalism, arson and killings. He termed Trump’s statements “a grave slander against the Iranian people” and claimed that US backing amounted to direct involvement in the unrest.
Meanwhile, the scale of the protests continues to grow. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), demonstrations across Iran have entered their twenty-first day, despite widespread internet shutdowns and a heavy security presence.
HRANA reports indicate that at least 3,308 people have lost their lives so far, while 4,382 cases remain under verification. More than 2,100 individuals have reportedly sustained serious injuries, and authorities have detained at least 24,266 people nationwide.
In a rare admission, Khamenei recently acknowledged that “several thousand people” have died during the unrest, marking the first time Iran’s top leadership has publicly recognised the scale of casualties.
Trump’s latest remarks underline the escalating war of words between Washington and Tehran, as Iran’s internal turmoil draws increasing international attention and condemnation.
