Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring that any attempt to target Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be considered an act of war against Iran. The warning follows speculation that President Donald Trump is considering efforts to remove or assassinate Khamenei, and comes amid escalating tensions fueled by mass protests across Iran. Pezeshkian accused the United States of instigating the unrest and blamed longstanding sanctions for the hardships faced by Iranians. As protests over economic hardship and demands for regime change continue, Iranian authorities have imposed widespread internet and phone blackouts, while both leaders exchange heated rhetoric and threats.