Tehran (The Palestine TelegraphNewspaper) 23 January 2026
– The office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement
warning of a decisive response to any threats against the Islamic Republic. The
announcement followed recent regional tensions involving US military movements
and Israeli statements. Officials emphasised readiness to defend national
sovereignty amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.
Representatives from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's
office released an official statement on 22 January 2026, cautioning that Iran
would deliver a resolute reply to any aggression targeting the country. The
message appeared on the Leader's official website and state media outlets,
addressing "hostile intentions" from adversaries.
Iranian authorities framed the warning within the context of
recent US deployments near the Persian Gulf and reported Israeli preparations.
The statement declared:
"The Islamic Republic possesses the capability and resolve to respond decisively to any threats against its security and interests."
It referenced historical precedents of Iranian military
actions in defence of sovereignty. Delivery occurred during a period of
heightened alert following President Trump's 21 January speech outlining US
policy towards Iran.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani echoed the
position during a press conference, noting continuous monitoring of regional
developments. He listed specific concerns including US aircraft carrier
positioning and sanctions announcements. No timelines or specific targets
appeared in the public communications.
Specific Triggers for the Leadership Statement
Iranian officials pointed to a US naval task force entering the Strait of Hormuz on 20 January as a primary catalyst. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group conducted exercises, according to Pentagon releases. Tehran viewed the manoeuvre as provocative, given past incidents in 2019 and 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on 19
January that preparations continued for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear
sites. The comments followed IAEA reports confirming uranium enrichment levels
at 60% purity in Fordow facilities. Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation dismissed
the claims as fabrications aimed at justification for attack.yahoo+1
Domestic briefings to the Majlis parliament on 22 January
detailed intelligence assessments of "coordinated threats" from
Washington and Tel Aviv. Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein
Salami addressed assembled lawmakers, affirming full operational readiness
across missile and drone units. State television broadcast excerpts of his
remarks.
Regional allies received similar notifications. Hezbollah
Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah confirmed receipt of Tehran's alert during a
Beirut speech, pledging coordinated defence. Houthi representatives in Yemen
issued parallel warnings tied to Red Sea shipping lanes.
Historical Context of Iranian Warnings
Credit: AP
The Supreme Leader's office has employed similar language during past escalations. In April 2025, following Israeli strikes on consular buildings in Damascus, Iran launched over 300 projectiles in retaliation. That exchange resulted in no reported casualties after interceptions by US and allied forces.
US drone surveillance increased over eastern Syria and Iraq
since 15 January, per CENTCOM logs. Iranian air defences tracked incursions,
activating S-300 systems around Tehran and Isfahan. No shootdowns occurred,
though warnings transmitted via diplomatic channels.
Khamenei's prior addresses, including a 10 January Friday
sermon, outlined a doctrine of "active deterrence." The sermon
reached audiences via state radio, emphasising self-reliance in defence
industries. Recent tests of Sejjil ballistic missiles underscored the
messaging.
Statements from Iranian Military and Government Bodies
IRGC Aerospace Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh detailed
upgraded capabilities in a 22 January interview with Tasnim news agency. He
specified ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometres for hypersonic warheads. The
comments aligned directly with the Supreme Leader's office position.aljazeera​
President Masoud Pezeshkian convened the Supreme National
Security Council, issuing a communique supporting the warning. The council
listed economic sanctions and cyber operations among perceived threats. No
immediate mobilisations reported beyond standard postures.reuters​
Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i instructed
prosecutors to prepare cases against external actors for "aggression planning."
Announcements appeared on official judiciary portals, citing international law
violations.nytimes+1
International Reactions to the Iranian Statement
US National Security Council spokesperson Caroline Levine
responded via briefing that Washington sought de-escalation while maintaining
commitments to allies. President Trump posted on X platform:
"Iran knows the consequences of bad behaviour."
No new deployments announced.aljazeera+1
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz affirmed Iron Dome
readiness during a Knesset session. Military spokespersons confirmed sorties
over Lebanese airspace without elaborating on Iranian references. Jerusalem
maintained its policy of pre-emption against existential threats.english.enabbaladi​
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged
restraint during a Brussels press encounter. He referenced stalled JCPOA
revival talks suspended since 2023. France and Germany dispatched diplomatic
notes calling for dialogue.yahoo+1
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' office
expressed concern over rhetoric, scheduling an informal Security Council
consultation for 24 January. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov endorsed
Iran's right to self-defence in Moscow statements.reuters​
Regional Developments Linked to the Warning
Yemeni Houthi forces reported sinking a Greek-owned tanker
in the Red Sea on 21 January, citing solidarity with Palestine. Iranian naval
vessels shadowed the operation from international waters. Sanaa authorities claimed
the vessel violated blockade protocols.nytimes​
Iraqi militia groups under Popular Mobilisation Forces
umbrella heightened alerts along borders. Drone patrols intensified over
Baghdad, targeting suspected US logistics convoys. No attacks materialised by
23 January.cnn+1
Gulf Cooperation Council nations bolstered air patrols.
Saudi Arabia intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle near Abqaiq oil facilities
on 22 January, attributing origin to IRGC proxies. Riyadh pursued quiet
diplomacy with Tehran.wikipedia​
Domestic Measures and Public Communications
Credit: Getty Images
Iranian state media aired documentaries recapping 2025 confrontations on 22 January, reaching millions via IRIB channels. Billboards in Tehran displayed slogans reinforcing national resolve. Mosques nationwide hosted prayers for protection.
Cyber defence units reported deflecting multiple intrusions
traced to Israeli servers. Communications Ministry blocked several VPN services
to counter information campaigns. Internet speeds remained stable amid
precautions.
Economic Council approved allocations for defence spending
in the 2026-2027 budget, prioritising domestic production. Oil export revenues
stabilised despite sanctions, per Central Bank figures released 22 January.
Broader Geopolitical Framework
Tensions traced to October 2025 escalations, when
Iran-backed groups attacked US bases in Iraq. Retaliatory strikes killed 12
militia personnel, per Baghdad health ministry counts. Diplomatic efforts
yielded a fragile truce until recent announcements.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited Natanz on 18
January, verifying compliance with safeguards absent weaponisation traces. His
report to Vienna headquarters noted constructive engagement despite external
pressures.
Proxy activities persisted in Syria, where Iranian advisors
supported government advances against rebels. US special forces maintained
presence near oil fields, drawing periodic rocket fire without casualties.
Iranian diplomats engaged
Oman and Qatar for mediation channels. Muscat hosted preliminary talks on
22 January, focusing on confidence-building steps. Outcomes remained
confidential.
Supreme Leader's office scheduled no further public addresses as of press time. Monitoring continued across official channels. Regional postures held steady.