Iran’s government has warned that if anyone attacks its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it will consider as a declaration of war. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said this on January 18, 2026, in response to rising tension with the United States and statements by American leaders.
Pezeshkian posted on X that any attack on Khamenei would be the same as declaring war on the entire country of Iran. He said that if people in Iran are struggling, one big reason is the long-lasting restrictions and sanctions imposed by the United States and its partner countries.
The Iranian president’s statements came after reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had spoken about the future leadership of Iran and said that changes are necessary. Pezeshkian said this kind of language only increases tension between the two countries.
Iran has been dealing with major political instability and protests since late December 2025. The protests began because many people were upset about rising prices, poor economic conditions, and a weak currency. Over time, the demonstrations grew into broader protests against the government.
Rights groups have reported that thousands of people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces. Some estimates say around 5,000 to 15,000 people have been killed, although exact numbers are hard to confirm because of limited information from inside the country.
Iran’s leadership has blamed the United States and Israel for encouraging protests in the country. Supreme Leader Khamenei and other officials have blamed external forces of trying to weaken Iran from the outside. This kind of language has increased worry among people both inside and outside the region.
The government also took major steps to limit communication in the country by shutting down internet services during part of the protest period. This made it harder for people inside Iran to share information with the outside world.
Trump has shown support for Iranian protesters and has criticized the Iranian government for its handling of the protets. He has used strong language against Khamenei and his leadership, which Tehran sees as interference in its internal matters.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are making people more worried about fights or conflict in the Middle East. Some leaders and advisers say the two countries are near to a serious fight.
Iran’s government keeps saying that it does not want war, but it says it will strongly defend its nation if it feels any danger to its leader or country. Pezeshkian’s warning shows that Iranian government believes it will strongly protect its leaders and country.

The world is watching closely, as governments and organizations ask for peace and diplomacy to avoid increasing tensions in the region