Iran warns attack on Khamenei would trigger war
The Iranian president accused Washington of worsening the nation’s economy, saying sanctions and pressure have hurt ordinary people.
Tehran on Monday witnessed a sharp escalation in rhetoric between Iran and the United States after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . His remarks came amid intensifying verbal exchanges with US President Donald Trump, underscoring the fragile and volatile state of relations between the two longtime adversaries.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Pezeshkian made Iran’s position unmistakably clear. but as a symbol of national sovereignty. The message was widely circulated within Iran and across international media, reflecting growing concern over the increasingly confrontational tone between Tehran and Washington.
The warning followed comments made by Trump in an interview with Politico on Saturday, in which he said it was “time to look for new leadership in Iran.” Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of weeks of protests inside Iran, driven by public anger over economic hardship, political repression, and alleged human rights abuses. The US president’s comments were interpreted in Tehran as direct interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Pezeshkian also used his statement to place blame for Iran’s economic struggles squarely on Washington. According to a report by Xinhua news agency, the Iranian president cited “longstanding hostility” and “inhumane sanctions” imposed by the United States and its allies as the main causes of hardship faced by ordinary Iranians. He argued that economic pressure, rather than domestic policy alone, has crippled Iran’s economy, limited access to essential goods, and fueled widespread public frustration.
Tensions had already risen earlier on Saturday when Supreme Leader Khamenei labeled Trump a “criminal,” accusing him of responsibility for deaths and damage during previous periods of unrest in Iran. The remark marked a rare personal attack from the supreme leader, highlighting how deeply strained relations have become since Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump, for his part, doubled down on his criticism of Iran’s leadership. Speaking to Politico, he said Iran needed new leadership after decades under Khamenei, arguing that the current system relies on fear and repression to maintain control.
The US president accused Iran’s leaders of governing through violence and intimidation. In one of his most provocative comments, Trump referred to alleged executions, telling the publication, “The best decision he ever made was not hanging more than 800 people two days ago.” The statement sparked outrage in Tehran, where officials viewed it as inflammatory and disrespectful, further narrowing the space for diplomatic engagement.
Trump went on to blame Khamenei personally for what he described as Iran’s decline, accusing the supreme leader of presiding over the “complete destruction of the country.” He also alleged that unprecedented levels of force had been used to suppress dissent, claims that Iranian authorities routinely reject as exaggerated or politically motivated.
Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained deeply fraught since Trump resumed office, with his administration continuing the “maximum pressure” campaign first launched during his earlier presidency. The policy has involved sweeping economic sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, banking sector, and key industries, measures the US says are aimed at curbing Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions. Iran, however, argues that the sanctions primarily hurt civilians and amount to collective punishment.
Despite occasional signals from both sides about openness to dialogue, the tone in recent weeks has been dominated by sharp rhetoric and mutual accusations. Analysts say the latest exchange reflects not only ideological hostility but also domestic political pressures in both countries. In Iran, leaders face mounting public anger over the economy, while in the United States, Iran remains a central foreign policy flashpoint.
For many ordinary Iranians, the escalating war of words adds to an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety. While leaders trade accusations, people continue to grapple with rising prices, job insecurity, and social restrictions. Pezeshkian’s warning, though directed outward, also serves to rally domestic unity at a time of strain.
As both sides harden their positions, the risk of miscalculation grows. Diplomatic channels remain limited, and trust is virtually nonexistent. Whether the confrontation remains confined to words or spills into more dangerous territory may depend on restraint that, for now, appears increasingly scarce.