Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei blasted U.S. President Donald Trump, blaming him for deaths during recent nationwide protests and calling him a “criminal.”

Khamenei accused Trump of openly urging chaos and the storming of state institutions, describing his rhetoric as a threat to Iran’s internal stability.

In response, Trump told Politico it was time to end the Supreme Leader’s rule and install “new leadership in Iran,” claiming thousands were killed in protest crackdowns and warning of possible military action if “attacks on demonstrators” continue.