Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei described US President Donald Trump as the main culprit for the killings and destruction in recent foreign-linked riots, stressing that the Iranian nation broke the back of the sedition by unity.
The Leader was addressing thousands of Iranians in a speech delivered on Saturday, marking Al-Mab’ath Al-Nabawi, the anniversary of the day when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was chosen as Allah’s final messenger.
On the auspicious occasion of the Eid al-Mab'ath, Imam Khamenei met with thousands of people from various walks of life on Jan. 17, 2026. pic.twitter.com/meugDn9cod
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 17, 2026
“The US president is responsible for casualties, damages, and false accusations directed against the Iranian nation. We consider him culprit,” he stated.
His eminence hailed the Iranian nation, who “through unity broke the back of sedition and had the final say.”
“The US backed the unrest in Iran as a groundwork for a wider operation. Washington aims at bringing Iran under its control by fomenting sedition.”
Imam Khamenei said rioters torched 250 mosque, attacks banks and killed thousands, accusing the US and Israeli intelligence bodies of recruiting and training rioters.
America’s goal is to SWALLOW Iran — Supreme Leader Khamenei
— RT (@RT_com) January 17, 2026
'This was an AMERICAN sedition: the Americans planned and acted'
BUT 'from beginning of revolution until today, dominance they had over country was DESTROYED by the people' https://t.co/GnMIrYeGOd pic.twitter.com/FnPOLmnu1r
US’ Direct Role in Riots
The Leader said that in the past, when seditions of this kind occurred in Iran, it was usually American media and second-tier politicians in the United States and Europe who interfered.
However, he said, “in the recent sedition, the distinctive feature was that the President of the United States himself intervened, made statements, encouraged the rioters, and even spoke of providing military support.”
“This clearly showed that the recent unrest was an American-instigated sedition. The Americans planned it, and based on 50 years of experience, I state decisively and explicitly that America’s goal is to devour Iran,” his eminence reiterated.
The Leader emphasized that since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, “American domination has been dismantled under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, but from the very first day, the United States has sought to restore its political and economic hegemony over Iran.”
He added that these actions are not limited to the current US administration; they reflect longstanding American policy.
“The United States cannot tolerate a country with Iran’s characteristics, capabilities, vastness, and scientific and technological progress,” Imam Khamenei noted.
Source: Al-Manar English Website and Iranian media