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Khamenei Calls Protests a "Coup," Warns of War

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 1, 2026, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, described the anti-government protests as a "coup" and warned they could recur.
Khamenei accused the United States of trying to regain control over Iran, reminiscent of the Pahlavi era.
He warned that any military intervention would lead to a regional war.
Protests, sparked by rising living costs, grew into a broader movement, with authorities reporting 3,000+ deaths and a U.S.-based agency citing 6,700+, mostly protesters, as of Feb 1, 2026.

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Story summary

On February 1, 2026, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, described the anti-government protests as a "coup" and warned they could recur.
Khamenei accused the United States of trying to regain control over Iran, reminiscent of the Pahlavi era.
He warned that any military intervention would lead to a regional war.
Protests, sparked by rising living costs, grew into a broader movement, with authorities reporting 3,000+ deaths and a U.S.-based agency citing 6,700+, mostly protesters, as of Feb 1, 2026.