Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be considered a declaration of war. The statement came amid speculation that former US President Donald Trump might attempt to assassinate or remove Khamenei. Pezeshkian also blamed the US and its allies for recent protests in Iran, which have left thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested.
The unrest, sparked on December 28 by soaring inflation, currency collapse, and economic hardship, quickly turned into anti-government demonstrations demanding regime change. Authorities responded with a near-total internet blackout and heavy security crackdowns. Trump publicly encouraged protests and hinted at military action, which was later paused amid regional pressure from Israel and Saudi Arabia.
While streets are currently calm, some Iranians continue chanting anti-Khamenei slogans from their homes. Human rights groups report over 24,000 arrests and at least 5,000 deaths. Partial internet access has been restored, but the situation remains tense, highlighting Iran’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis.
