Attack On Supreme Leader Will Be Declaration Of War, Warns Iran President

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 22:48 IST

Pezeshkian warned any attack on Iran Supreme leader means war. Iran plans gradual internet restoration after a major shutdown amid protests and unrest blamed on the US and Israel.

Iran has been under a near-total communications blackout since January 8, cutting off internet access for around 92 million people. (Image: @iribnews_irib/X)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday warned that any attack on the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would mean a declaration of war.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said: “An attack on the great leader of our country is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation."

The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump told Politico: “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran."

Earlier in the day, Iran said they are considering a gradual restoration of internet services after imposing one of the most severe communications shutdowns in the country’s history.

Local media reported that officials were planning a phased return of internet access. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said “relevant authorities" had announced the move, though no clear timetable or details were given.

Some services have already been partially restored. Outgoing international phone calls resumed earlier in the week, and text messaging services were restored on Saturday morning.

Tasnim also reported that local messaging applications would soon be reactivated on Iran’s domestic intranet.

Iran has been under a near-total communications blackout since January 8, cutting off internet access for around 92 million people. Phone and text services were also disrupted. The government introduced the shutdown amid calls for anti-government protests linked to economic hardship.

Iranian officials say the move was necessary for security reasons. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the internet was cut in response to what he described as externally directed “terrorist operations". Authorities have blamed foreign enemies, including the United States and Israel, for unrest in the country.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates more than 3,300 confirmed protester deaths, with thousands of additional cases under review. Arrests are said to have exceeded 24,000 across the country.

News world Attack On Supreme Leader Will Be Declaration Of War, Warns Iran President

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