President Donald Trump has made a striking statement, hinting at the need for a change at the top in Iran as tensions escalate over deadly protests.

On Saturday, Trump told Politico that it was time to seek new leadership in Iran, marking his strongest remarks yet on the regime of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while protests that began on Dec. 28 over economic struggles have grown into a broader call to dismantle the clerical system, leaving thousands reported dead in a severe crackdown under an internet blackout.

The issue has sparked intense debate, with many questioning whether U.S. rhetoric is aiding or undermining the Iranian people’s fight for change.

Protests Erupt Over Economic Hardship

The unrest in Iran started on Dec. 28, fueled by anger over a collapsing economy. It rapidly evolved into a mass movement against the ruling clerics, the Times of Israel reported.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 3,090 lives have been lost in the crackdown, though this number cannot be independently confirmed. This toll, if true, surpasses any prior unrest in Iran’s recent decades.

Khamenei acknowledged “several thousand” deaths in a state-televised speech on Saturday during a religious holiday, the first such admission from an Iranian leader about the scale of casualties. Could this be a rare moment of candor, or mere damage control?

Trump’s Strong Stance on Leadership

Trump’s Saturday comments to Politico were direct, stating, “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.” While not outright demanding the collapse of the Islamic Republic, the focus on Khamenei personally sharpens U.S. criticism.

On Friday, Trump had eased off threats of military action after Iran reportedly halted plans to execute 800 protesters. This suggests his earlier warnings were aimed at planned executions, not the reported deaths during street confrontations.

Yet Trump didn’t hold back on the violence, telling Politico, “The man is a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people.” Does this tough talk inspire hope for protesters, or risk more repression?

Iran Blames U.S. for Unrest

Iranian officials have repeatedly blamed the United States, calling the demonstrations “riots” and “terrorist” acts. Khamenei, 86, took to social media on Saturday to accuse Trump of inflicting damage on the nation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Friday for support at the United Nations, asserting during a phone call that U.S. and Israeli involvement in the unrest was clear. This alignment with Moscow underscores Iran’s anti-Western stance.

Russia’s UN ambassador, at Thursday’s Security Council session in New York, accused the U.S. of fueling tensions. Isn’t it a bit too easy for Iran and Russia to dodge accountability by blaming external forces?

Future Implications for Iran Policy

As Iran settles into an uneasy calm after the brutal suppression, uncertainty remains about the true toll of this crackdown and the impact of Trump’s words on U.S. policy. His earlier calls for protesters to “take over institutions” hint at verbal support for their cause.

Still, Trump’s nod to Khamenei’s decision not to execute hundreds shows a pragmatic side beneath the bold rhetoric. Balancing support for freedom with avoiding broader conflict is no small task.

The path forward is murky, but one thing is clear: the cries for change in Iran won’t be silenced easily, and the U.S. must tread carefully to avoid fanning the flames of further violence.