Iran, Jan 19 : Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States amid rising political tensions, saying any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would amount to a declaration of “all out war” against the Iranian nation.
The warning came from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that Iran needs new leadership.
Pezeshkian: Attack on Supreme Leader Equals War
In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said Iran would consider any move against Khamenei as a direct attack on the country itself.
“Any attack on our great leader will be tantamount to an all-out war against the Iranian nation,” he wrote.
The Iranian president also highlighted decades long hostility between Tehran and Washington, blaming US policies for Iran’s economic hardships. He said prolonged tensions and what he described as “inhumane sanctions” imposed by the United States and its allies had placed severe pressure on ordinary Iranians, according to Xinhua.
Trump Calls for Leadership Change in Iran
The exchange followed comments by Trump in an interview with Politico, in which he said it was “time to look for new leadership in Iran.”
Trump’s remarks came amid ongoing protests across the Islamic Republic, driven by public frustration over economic conditions, political repression and alleged human rights violations.
He accused Iran’s leadership of ruling through fear and violence, claiming the country’s decline was the result of decisions taken by its top leadership. Trump also criticised Khamenei for allegedly using extreme force to suppress dissent.
Long-Running US-Iran Tensions
Earlier, Ayatollah Khamenei had labelled Trump a “criminal”, holding him responsible for deaths and destruction during previous periods of unrest in Iran.
Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained strained since Trump’s return to the White House, marked by renewed “maximum pressure” policies, economic sanctions and sharp public exchanges between leaders.
Diplomatic engagement between the two sides remains limited as tensions continue to escalate.