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As protests rock Iran and deaths mount into the thousands, President Trump urges demonstrators to “take over” state institutions, prompting Iran’s security chief to label him a “main killer.” What comes next could reshape the crisis.
His remarks came amid escalating nationwide protests that have reportedly claimed over 2000 lives.
Tehran: Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply as Iran’s national security chief accused US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the “main killers of the Iranian people,” following Trump’s open call for Iranians to continue nationwide protests against their government.
The remarks came amid reports of a massive and deadly crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that have swept Iran in recent weeks, marking one of the most violent periods of unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Trump warns Iran of severe consequences over possible execution of Erfan Soltani
Ali Larijani, a former speaker of Iran’s parliament and the current secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, made the accusation in a post on X.
“We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump. 2- Netanyahu,” Larijani wrote, responding directly to statements by the US president encouraging protesters to challenge state authority.
We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran:
1- Trump
2- Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/CqcQYKHbDJ— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) January 13, 2026
Iranian officials have long accused foreign powers of instigating unrest, but Larijani’s comments marked one of the most explicit personal attacks on Western leaders during the current crisis.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,003 protesters have been killed since demonstrations erupted across the country. If confirmed, the figure would far exceed casualties from any previous protest movement in Iran in recent decades.
Iranian state television has offered a limited acknowledgment, with an official saying the country had suffered “a lot of martyrs.” The broadcaster claimed that authorities delayed releasing figures because many bodies were severely mutilated, though activists say the admission came only after independent reports emerged.
Iran Unrest: 2,000 people reported dead amid protests, chaos described in calls | Top points
Trump has also warned Tehran against executing detained protesters. In an interview with CBS News, he said the US would take “very strong action” if Iran proceeds with hangings.
The US State Department alleged that Iranian authorities plan to execute 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, noting that more than 10,600 Iranians have been arrested for demanding basic rights.
Trump announced he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he called the “senseless killing of protesters” stops. In a Truth Social post, he urged Iranians to “KEEP PROTESTING- TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS,” promising that “help is on its way,” without offering specifics.
When pressed by reporters about the nature of that help, Trump declined to elaborate, saying only, “You’re going to have to figure that one out.”
