Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a forceful warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump, directly accusing him of instigating recent widespread protests across Iran. In strong remarks widely reported by various news outlets, Khamenei declared that 'the Iranian nation, just as it broke the back of the riot, must also break the back of those who instigated it.' He branded Trump a 'criminal' for the 'casualties, damages, and the slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,' asserting that the unrest was part of an 'American plot' aimed at undermining Iran and extending U.S. domination. These condemnations come amidst significant internal turmoil in Iran, marked by widespread demonstrations that began primarily over economic grievances, including gasoline rationing and fuel price hikes, and later escalated to challenge the country's leadership directly. The protests intensified following the Iranian government's admission of having accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet in January 2020, killing all 176 onboard, which ignited further public anger and calls for regime change. Throughout these periods of unrest, former President Trump had publicly expressed support for the Iranian protesters, with statements encouraging them and even hinting at military backing. Khamenei's recent warning serves as a direct retort to such interventions, framing them as attempts to sow discord within the Islamic Republic. International human rights organizations have reported thousands of deaths and arrests due to the crackdowns on these protests, highlighting the severe response by Iranian authorities. The exchange underscores the deeply entrenched geopolitical tensions between Tehran and Washington, reflecting Iran's consistent narrative of blaming external forces for its domestic dissent.