Tensions between Iran and the United States reached a boiling point on Sunday as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be considered a declaration of "all-out war."
The warning follows a high-stakes interview with Politico on Saturday, in which U.S. President Donald Trump described the 86-year-old Khamenei as a "sick man" and stated, "It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran."
The war of words comes in the wake of the bloodiest domestic unrest in Iran since the 1979 Revolution. While a fragile calm returned to the streets of Tehran last week following a violent crackdown, the human cost remains staggering: Official Estimates: An Iranian official told Reuters that at least 5,000 people have been killed, including approximately 500 security personnel. Rights Groups: The U.S.-based group HRANA has verified 3,308 deaths and recorded over 24,000 arrests. Khamenei’s Admission: In a rare televised address, the Supreme Leader acknowledged "several thousand" deaths but blamed the violence on "terrorists and rioters" backed by the U.S. and Israel.
International concern is mounting over the fate of detainees.8 Iran’s judiciary recently hinted that mass executions may proceed for those charged with Mohareb (waging war against God), a crime punishable by death.
Trump previously claimed on social media that Tehran had canceled the hangings of 800 people due to his warnings, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed such plans or their cancellation.
While internet blackouts were briefly lifted on Saturday, monitoring group NetBlocks reported that connectivity remains restricted. Heavy clashes continue to be reported in northwest Kurdish regions, where Tehran accuses foreign-backed "separatist groups" of stoking instability.
While President Trump claimed 800 executions were canceled due to U.S. pressure, no official Iranian state source has verified the existence of such a mass execution list or its suspension. HRANA confirms at least 52 executions were carried out between January 5 and January 14, 2026.
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