Former US President Donald Trump has overtly called for a change in Iran's leadership, specifically targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating it is 'time to look for new leadership in Iran'. These significant remarks were made during an interview with Politico on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and represent an escalation in the rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. Trump's comments came as a direct response to a series of hostile social media posts from Khamenei's official X account, where the Iranian leader accused Trump of being responsible for fueling deadly unrest and protest-related deaths within Iran. Khamenei branded Trump as a 'criminal' for supporting protesters and inciting what he described as 'sedition'. In turn, Trump sharply criticized Khamenei, calling him a 'sick man' who is guilty of the 'complete destruction of the country' and the use of 'violence at levels never seen before' to maintain control. He argued that Iran's leadership should prioritize governing properly rather than resorting to fear and death. The call for new leadership aligns with the context of ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, which reportedly erupted on December 28, 2025, over economic hardship and quickly escalated into broader demonstrations challenging the clerical rule. Rights groups have reported thousands of protester deaths and tens of thousands of arrests during these clashes. Trump had previously issued warnings, threatening 'very strong action' if Iran executed protesters, though he later thanked Tehran for allegedly canceling mass hangings. This story is widely corroborated by numerous international news organizations, confirming the accuracy of the India Today report.