Dubai: Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei on Wednesday warned of severe punishment for anyone expressing or acting in support of the US-Israeli airstrikes now targeting the Islamic Republic, hinting at possible death penalty charges for such “enemy collaborators.”
Speaking in an interview with Iranian state television, Ejei branded supporters of the strikes as enemies of the state, vowing to handle them under revolutionary and Islamic principles suited to wartime conditions.
“As we said during the unrest, riot cases are a priority,” he noted, referring to January’s nationwide protests that authorities suppressed. “We have now also announced that those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy.”
He elaborated: “Those who say or do anything in line with the will of America and the Zionist regime are on the enemy’s side and must be dealt with on revolutionary, Islamic principles and in accordance with the time of war.”
The statements come against the backdrop of escalating conflict, with US-Israeli airstrikes — codenamed Operation Roaring Lion and Epic Fury — launched on February 28 against Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities, and high-profile leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump, who took office in January 2025, has pledged regime change and the dismantling of Iran’s missile capabilities, projecting the campaign to conclude within a month.
Tehran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and US bases in Gulf states, firmly rejecting negotiations. Ejei drew parallels to the recent protests, signaling a renewed domestic crackdown to ensure loyalty amid the external threat.
