WASHINGTON, January 13 (ANI): US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responding to remarks in which the Iranian leader cautioned American politicians against what he described as hostile actions toward Iran amid nationwide anti-government protests that Tehran claims are “foreign-backed.”
In a post on X, Senator Graham directly addressed Khamenei, adopting a sarcastic and confrontational tone.
“To the Ayatollah: we don’t talk as much as we used to. Have I offended you? As to your recent warning to American politicians, I hear Moscow is a winter wonderland. Beware of the drones. Make Iran Great Again,” Graham wrote.
Graham’s reference to “Moscow is a winter wonderland” alluded to recent reports suggesting that the 86-year-old Iranian leader may have an “escape plan” to seek refuge in Russia if the ongoing nationwide protests continue to escalate.
The senator’s remarks came in response to an earlier post by Ayatollah Khamenei, in which the Iranian leader said Iran had demonstrated its resolve in the face of external pressure and warned US politicians to change their approach toward Tehran.
“The great Iranian nation has asserted its resolve and identity in the face of the enemies. This was a warning to US politicians that they should halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings,” Khamenei said.
The exchange reflects heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly as US lawmakers continue to criticize Iran over the recent nationwide anti-government rallies driven by soaring inflation, economic hardship, and mounting public anger over governance.
Earlier, Graham had also issued a warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, saying US President Donald Trump could resort to lethal action if Iranian authorities continue to kill or injure protesters.
He described Khamenei as a “religious Nazi who kills his own people and terrorizes the world” during an interview with Fox News.
Meanwhile, according to the most recent verified data from the Human Rights Activist News Agency, a total of 646 people have died in connection with the protests so far. The death toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran’s military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians not involved in the demonstrations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said there was clear evidence “linking this deadly violence to Mossad terrorists,” as reported by Press TV.
The foreign minister was referring to a post by former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who wrote on X on January 2 that the Iranian regime was in trouble and alleged the use of mercenaries to suppress unrest.
Pompeo added, “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”
His reference to “Mossad agents walking beside” protesters sparked speculation that the anti-government unrest may be foreign-backed, particularly by the United States and Israel, with the aim of overthrowing the Khamenei regime, which has been in power since 1979.
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