U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an end to the rule of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying it is time for new leadership in the country. Trump made the remarks on Saturday after Khamenei accused him of being responsible for deaths during recent protests in Iran. The comments came in response to a post by Khamenei on social media platform X, where the Iranian leader labeled Trump a criminal and alleged that he incited unrest in Iran.

Trump said Iran’s rulers depend on repression and violence to maintain control, claiming that Khamenei’s leadership has led to the country’s destruction and unprecedented levels of brutality. He added that a national leader should focus on governing properly rather than killing people, emphasizing that leadership should be based on respect, not fear and death.

Trump further described Khamenei as an unhealthy person who should stop the killings and manage the country responsibly. He asserted that poor leadership has made Iran one of the most unlivable nations in the world.