Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring that any aggression targeting the Supreme Leader of Iran would be considered an all-out war against the entire Iranian nation. He made this statement in a post on the social media platform X, directly addressing the United States and its allies.
US Sanctions Blamed for Iranian Hardships
In his message, President Pezeshkian held the United States government and its allies responsible for the severe difficulties faced by the Iranian people. He stated clearly that the longstanding hostility and the imposition of inhumane sanctions by the US are primary reasons for the economic struggles and daily hardships experienced across Iran.
"If the people of Iran face hardship and difficulties in their lives, one of the main reasons for it is the longstanding enmity and inhumane sanctions imposed by the United States government and its allies," Pezeshkian said.
Threat of Harsh Response to US Aggression
Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran would deliver a harsh and regrettable response to any unjust aggression. He reinforced that any attack on the country's supreme leader is tantamount to declaring war on the whole nation. This warning comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing protests within Iran.
Background of Escalating Tensions
The president's comments followed repeated threats from US President Donald Trump, who warned of intervention if protesters continued to be killed or executed on Iranian streets. In a recent interview with Politico on Saturday, Trump explicitly called for new leadership in Iran, stating, "It's time to look for new leadership in Iran."
Protest Casualty Figures Disputed
Reports on the death toll from nationwide protests vary significantly. An Iranian official in the region told Reuters that at least 5,000 people, including about 500 security personnel, have been killed. However, a separate report obtained by The Sunday Times from doctors on the ground presents a much higher figure, claiming at least 16,500 protesters have died and 330,000 have been injured. This report also indicates that most victims are believed to be under the age of 30.
Supreme Leader's Accusations Against Trump
Former diplomat KP Fabian commented on Sunday, noting that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei openly described US President Donald Trump as a criminal. Fabian linked these remarks to the widespread protests that erupted across Iran following sharp price increases.
"I heard what Khamenei said, he called Trump a criminal. It is true that protests broke out in Iran over rising prices after the United States imposed sanctions. These sanctions had been removed during Obama's time but were reinforced after Trump's comeback," Fabian told ANI.
Roots of the Unrest
Fabian highlighted that the current unrest stems from the United States reimposing sanctions that were previously lifted during Barack Obama's presidency. These sanctions were reinforced after Trump returned to office, exacerbating economic pressures in Iran.
Nature of the Protests
Massive protests initially sparked last month in Tehran's Grand Bazaar over economic grievances. These demonstrations quickly turned political and spread nationwide, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. The protests included shopkeepers, students, men and women, the poor and the well-off, all calling for an end to clerical rule in Iran.
