Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday warned that any attack on the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would constitute a declaration of war. His remarks came in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent statement calling it “time to look for new leadership” in Iran.
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Limited internet access has returned in the country after a 10-day blackout, imposed amid violent protests that erupted in late December over economic hardships. The demonstrations, widely seen as the biggest challenge to the Iranian leadership in years, subsided following the government crackdown.
Trump, who supported and joined Israel in a 12-day conflict with Iran in June, has repeatedly threatened military action against Tehran in response to the treatment of protesters. While Washington appeared to step back temporarily, his recent comments on Iran’s supreme leader triggered a stern response from Iranian authorities.
Security forces remain visible in central Tehran, with armored vehicles and motorcycles deployed to maintain order. Schools reopened after a week of closure, and authorities have gradually restored internet access. Banners in the capital have symbolically linked Trump, the former Shah of Iran, and Saddam Hussein, illustrating tensions with perceived foreign adversaries.
Khamenei said on Saturday that thousands of people had been killed by what he described as “agents” of the US and Israel, and local media reported multiple deaths among security forces. Iran’s judiciary announced swift trials for arrested protesters, warning that some acts may carry the capital offence of moharebeh — waging war against God.
Read More: Khamenei warns US: Iran won’t back down
Pezeshkian emphasized that those involved in violent calls and actions causing bloodshed and public damage “will not be spared,” reflecting Tehran’s continued hardline stance even as some executions have reportedly been halted.