Overview
- Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled President Donald Trump a “criminal,” blamed him for the unrest, and acknowledged that thousands were killed during more than two weeks of protests.
- Trump told Politico “it’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” called Khamenei a “sick man,” and accused Iran’s rulers of using unprecedented violence to retain control.
- The Wall Street Journal reported Trump instructed the Pentagon on January 13 to prepare strike options but reversed course after objections; Trump later said he made the decision himself and cited a reported halt to mass hangings that Iran has not confirmed.
- Rights groups report at least 3,000 verified deaths and more than 22,000 arrests, with an extensive internet shutdown since January 8 severely hampering independent verification despite brief, partial connectivity upticks.
- WSJ reporting indicates Arab states and Israel warned of retaliation risks and poor timing for strikes, while a former U.S. ambassador speculated—without confirmation—that Trump might consider targeting Khamenei.