Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Sunday that any attack on the country’s supreme leader would amount to a declaration of war. He said such an act would place the entire Iranian nation in direct conflict.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian stated that an attack on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would trigger a full-scale confrontation. His remarks appeared to respond to comments by Donald Trump, who recently called for new leadership in Iran.
The warning came as limited internet access returned across parts of Iran. Authorities restored connectivity after a 10-day blackout imposed during widespread protests. The unrest began in late December over economic hardship.
Protests quickly spread and became the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in years. Security forces launched a crackdown as demonstrations grew. Officials shut down communications nationwide on January 8 to contain the unrest.
Iranian authorities said the protests started peacefully but later turned violent. They blamed foreign interference and accused the United States and Israel of fueling instability.
اگر سختی و تنگنایی در زندگی مردم عزیز #ایران وجود دارد، یکی از عوامل اصلی آن دشمنی دیرینه و تحریمهای غیرانسانی دولت امریکا و همپیمانان اوست.
تعرض به رهبری معظم کشورمان بهمنزله جنگ تمام عیار با ملت ایران است.
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) January 18, 2026Trump, who supported Israel during a 12-day conflict with Iran in June, had warned Tehran against killing protesters. Washington later softened its tone. However, Trump renewed criticism in an interview with Politico, saying Iran needed new leadership.
Iranian officials now claim calm has returned to the streets. Security forces remain visible in central Tehran. Armoured vehicles and motorcycle patrols continue to operate in key areas.
Authorities reopened schools on Sunday after a week-long closure. State media reported that internet services would return gradually as conditions stabilise.
Read: Trump Says Iran Cancelled Mass Executions Amid Protests
On Saturday, Khamenei said thousands had died due to what he called foreign-backed agents. Iranian media also reported deaths among security personnel. Officials confirmed thousands of arrests during the unrest.
Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said courts would hold swift trials. He warned that some offences could qualify as “moharebeh,” or waging war against God. The charge carries the death penalty.
International concern continues to grow over possible executions. Trump claimed Iran had halted hundreds of death sentences. Analysts say the coming weeks will determine whether stability holds or tensions rise again.
