Washington DC: US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responding to the Iranian leader’s remarks cautioning American politicians against hostile actions toward Tehran amid nationwide anti-government protests.

In a post on X, Graham directly addressed Khamenei in a confrontational tone.

"To the Ayatollah: we don't talk as much as we used to. Have I offended you? As to your recent warning to American politicians, I hear Moscow is a winter wonderland. Beware of the drones. Make Iran Great Again," Graham wrote.

His comment that “Moscow is a winter wonderland” referred to recent reports suggesting the 86-year-old leader may have an escape plan to seek refuge in Russia if protests continue to escalate.

Graham’s remarks came after Khamenei warned US lawmakers to change their approach toward Iran, saying Tehran had demonstrated its resolve against external pressure. US President Donald Trump had earlier hinted that a military intervention in Iran is not impossible. 

"The great Iranian nation has asserted its resolve and identity in the face of the enemies. This was a warning to US politicians that they should halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings," Khamenei said.

Tensions have risen further as US lawmakers continue to criticise Iran over nationwide anti-government rallies driven by soaring inflation, economic hardship, and mounting public anger over governance.

Earlier, Graham also warned that US President Donald Trump could resort to lethal action if Iranian authorities continue to kill or injure protesters. He additionally described Khamenei as a "religious Nazi who kills his own people and terrorises the world" during an interview with Fox News.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activist News Agency reported that 646 people have died in connection with the protests so far. The toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran's military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians not involved in demonstrations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed there was evidence “linking this deadly violence to Mossad terrorists,” according to Press TV.

Araghchi was referring to a January 2 post by former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who wrote on X: "The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope. Riots in dozens of cities and the Basij under siege - Mashhad, Tehran, Zahedan. Next stop: Baluchistan. 47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?"

"Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them," his post added.

His reference to “Mossad agent walking beside” protesters has fueled speculation in Iranian state media that the unrest may be foreign-backed, particularly by the US and Israel, aimed at toppling the Khamenei regime, in power since 1979.