"Attack Khamenei = War,” Iran Draws Red Line Over Trump's Threats to Supreme Leader

Iran has issued its strongest warning yet amid rising tensions with the United States. President Masoud Pezeshkian says any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be treated as a declaration of war, responding to speculation that Donald Trump is considering removing or targeting Iran’s top leader. The warning comes as Iran reels from weeks of deadly protests triggered by inflation, economic collapse and U.S. sanctions. Tehran accuses Washington of fueling unrest, while Trump has openly urged Iranians to challenge their leadership. The U.S. reportedly came close to launching military strikes before pulling back under regional and diplomatic pressure, underscoring how quickly the standoff could escalate.