In the latest development, Iranian officials issued fresh warnings to President Trump against any action targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while President Trump said the United States would respond with overwhelming force if Iran successfully assassinated him. The sharper rhetoric comes as Iran faces widespread anti-government protests and a deadly crackdown, with rights groups and witnesses describing large and difficult-to-verify casualty figures. The U.S. has publicly blamed Iran’s leadership for the unrest and signaled that sanctions are aimed at the government rather than ordinary Iranians, even as the risk of escalation adds uncertainty for the wider region.

Highlights:

• Direct warnings: Iran’s foreign minister delivered what was described as the most direct warning yet of retaliation against the United States if Iran is attacked.
• Protest toll dispute: Reporting highlighted a wide spread in death-toll estimates, with HRANA citing confirmed fatalities in the thousands and additional deaths under review amid verification challenges during communications restrictions.
• Bystanders hit: Witness accounts described deaths extending beyond protesters, including a reported fatal shooting of a 22-year-old art student who was said not to be participating in demonstrations.
• Washington’s framing: U.S. officials said the protests stem from the regime’s "mismanagement" rather than foreign instigation, countering Tehran’s claims about outside involvement.
• Sanctions message: The U.S. State Department framed sanctions as targeting Iran’s government rather than its people, according to RFE/RL’s live coverage.

Trump knows that if any hand of aggression is extended toward our leader, we not only cut that hand but also we will set fire to their world, - Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi

Perspectives:

• Iran armed forces spokesman: Iran warned that any move against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would trigger severe retaliation against the U.S. and its interests. (PBS NewsHour)
• Iran foreign ministry: Iran’s top diplomat warned of retaliation if the United States attacks Iran, in what was described as the most direct threat so far. (ABC News)
• President Trump: President Trump said the U.S. would "wipe" Iran out or "blow" it up if Iran assassinated him, according to multiple reports of his remarks. (The Hindu)
• U.S. government: U.S. officials attributed the unrest to Iran’s governance failures and said sanctions are designed to pressure the government rather than punish the Iranian public. (RFE/RL)
• Iranian witnesses: Some residents and witnesses described lethal force affecting non-protesters as well, adding to fear and anger on the streets. (Al-Monitor (Reuters))
• Analysts/media observers: Commentary noted that competing sides have incentives to undercount or overcount deaths, and that verification is difficult during information blackouts. (The Week)

Sources:

• Iran warns Trump not to take action against Supreme Leader Khamenei - pbs.org
• Iran's top diplomat issues most direct threat yet to US - abcnews.go.com
• Iran's foreign minister issues most direct threat yet to US as protester death toll rises - euronews.com
• U.S., Iran vow war in response to assassination threats against their leaders - thehindu.com
• Iran protest crackdown latest developments - al-monitor.com
• Trump says Iran would be 'wiped the off face of this earth' if something happens to him - allsides.com
• How Iran protest death tolls have been politicised - theweek.com
• US Blames Iranian Regime As Death Toll From Brutal Crackdown On Protesters Rises - rferl.org