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Iran Warns Against Attacks on Supreme Leader
Jakarta – iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any attack against the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would be considered a declaration of war. The statement comes in response to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of seeking a new leader for Iran.
Pezeshkian’s Warning
“An attack on the leader of our country is the same as a full-scale war wiht the Iranian nation,” Pezeshkian stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 19, 2026. Reuters reported on the warning, highlighting the severity of the response.
Khamenei’s Accusations
Prior to Pezeshkian’s statement, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused actors linked to the United States and Israel of being responsible for the deaths of “several thousand” people during anti-government protests in Iran. These protests, which involved widespread unrest, took place over several weeks. Al Jazeera detailed Khamenei’s accusations, noting his direct blame of both countries for inciting violence.
Direct Involvement allegations
Khamenei specifically alleged direct involvement from the U.S. and Israel in the violence, and referred to former U.S. President Donald Trump as a “criminal.” He stated, “The latest anti-Iran rebellion was different because the president of the United States was personally involved.”
Context of the Protests
The protests referenced by Khamenei where sparked by a range of grievances, including economic hardship, political restrictions, and social issues. The Council on foreign Relations provides background on the ongoing issues that fuel unrest in Iran, including economic sanctions and limited political freedoms.
Trump’s Previous Statements
Former President trump has repeatedly criticized the Iranian government and its policies. In December 2025, Trump suggested the need for a change in leadership in Iran, prompting the current warning from President Pezeshkian. NBC News covered Trump’s statements, which were widely reported internationally.
Key Takeaways
- Iran has issued a strong warning against any attack on Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, equating it to a declaration of war.
- Ayatollah Khamenei has directly accused the U.S. and Israel of being responsible for deaths during recent anti-government protests.
- Former