Tensions between Iran and the United States appear set to escalate further after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a strong warning, declaring that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be considered an act of war against Iran. The statement comes amid violent protests across the country, during which at least 5000 people are believed to have been killed, while Washington has openly expressed support for the protesters.
President Pezeshkian, writing on X, blamed the hardships faced by the Iranian people on long-standing hostility and what he described as inhumane sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. He warned that ‘any attack on our country’s Supreme Leader would be tantamount to a full-scale war against Iran.’ His remarks followed recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who said it was ‘time to see new leadership in Iran.’
Iran rejects US claims of planned attacks
Iran has firmly denied allegations that it is preparing to attack American military installations. Speaking to news agency IRNA on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed US claims as baseless, accusing Washington of deliberately spreading misinformation to destabilise the region and heighten tensions.
Baghaei said Iran would continue strengthening its military strictly for defensive purposes and warned that any attempt to attack the country would be met with a strong and decisive response. His remarks came shortly after the United States claimed in a social media post that it had intelligence suggesting Iran was planning strikes on US bases. The US warned that all options remained on the table and vowed a full-force retaliation if any of its facilities were attacked.
Death toll mounts as protests continue
Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll from the ongoing unrest. However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged on Saturday that ‘thousands’ had been killed during the protests and directly blamed the United States for the violence. The demonstrations began on December 28 over the country’s worsening economic conditions, marking the first time a senior Iranian leader has publicly addressed the scale of fatalities.
According to a human rights organisation, at least 24,348 protesters have been arrested during the unrest. Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of instigating chaos within the country. Meanwhile, President Trump has issued a warning to Tehran, threatening military action if the Iranian government uses lethal force to suppress demonstrators.
Adding to the concerns, a US-based human rights group claimed on Sunday that it has confirmed the deaths of 3766 people so far, attributing them to violent crackdowns across Iran. The organisation warned that the death toll could rise further as information from different regions continues to emerge.
