Iran’s Supreme Leader Issues Russian-Language Warning to U.S. Amid Nationwide Protests
TEHRAN, Iran — In a striking move amid escalating nationwide protests and intensifying tensions with the United States, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a direct warning to the U.S. in Russian on social media, underscoring Tehran’s growing alignment with Moscow. The messages, posted on January 11 via Khamenei’s Russian-language account on the platform X, conveyed a sharp rebuke of U.S. policy toward Iran, cautioning that America’s “miscalculations” would lead to defeat once again.
Khamenei’s posts read, “The United States today is miscalculating in its approach toward Iran,” followed hours later by a second message asserting that Americans had suffered defeat previously because of “miscalculations” and would face it again due to “erroneous planning.” Analysts interpret the choice of Russian—a language rarely used by the Iranian leader—as a deliberate signal of Tehran’s strategic pivot toward Moscow, especially as Iran grapples with widespread civil unrest.
Ksenia Svetlova, executive director of the Regional Organization for Peace, Economy and Security (ROPES) and an associate fellow at Chatham House, noted that while the Russian was imperfect, the message’s intent was clear: to emphasize Iran’s solidarity with Russia in the face of U.S. pressure. This development comes amid a backdrop of mounting verbal threats from the Trump administration and increasing calls for American intervention as protests continue to sweep across the Islamic Republic.
The protests, which have drawn global attention, have been met with a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities, with reports of hundreds of casualties and widespread internet blackouts aimed at stifling communication. The U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories urging Americans to avoid travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation and has called for the protection of human rights amid the unrest.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has held emergency Security Council meetings to address the escalating conflict in the region, reflecting international concern over the potential for broader instability. The U.S. Department of Defense has also been closely monitoring the situation, with senior officials discussing contingency plans should the unrest threaten regional security.
Khamenei’s use of Russian-language posts marks a notable shift in Iran’s diplomatic messaging, highlighting the regime’s increasing reliance on Moscow as a counterbalance to Western influence. This aligns with broader geopolitical trends, as Russia and Iran have deepened their cooperation on military and economic fronts in recent years.
As the protests persist, the international community remains watchful. The U.S. government continues to evaluate its options, balancing diplomatic pressure with the risk of military escalation. The unfolding events in Iran serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between domestic dissent and global power struggles, with Tehran’s latest messages underscoring the regime’s resolve to resist external interference.
For ongoing updates on the situation and official U.S. government advisories, see the U.S. Department of State travel alerts, the Department of Defense briefings, and the United Nations Security Council statements. Analysis of regional security dynamics is also available through the Chatham House research center.
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