The Iranian parliament threatened to issue a fatwa of 'jihad' if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is subjected to any attack, at a time when authorities have expanded the campaign of arrests against protesters amid escalating international pressure.
State media quoted the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Parliament as saying that targeting the Supreme Leader would be considered a "declaration of war" and would lead to the issuance of a "jihad fatwa from religious scholars and a response from the soldiers of (Islam) around the world."
The warning came after statements by US President Donald Trump hinting at the possibility of seeking new leadership in Iran.
On the ground, authorities announced the arrest of dozens of people in Isfahan and the opening of legal cases in Tehran against 25 actors and athletes and 60 cafes on charges related to supporting "incitement to riot and terrorism," with property confiscation.
The United Nations Human Rights Council announced an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran.
Targeting the Supreme Leader will be considered a "declaration of war" and will lead to the issuance of a "jihad fatwa from religious scholars and a response from the soldiers of (Islam) around the world."
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Iranian Threat to 'Declare Jihad' if Supreme Leader Targeted