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Poland summons Iranian envoy as Tehran warns of jihad

20.01.2026 16:08
In mid-January, Poland’s foreign ministry received Iran’s ambassador over the violent crackdown on protests, calling for dialogue, while recent reports indicate that Tehran has warned any attack on Supreme Leader Khamenei could spark a holy war.
Daily life in Tehran. Iranians shop in a street market on 20 January 2026. Iran is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout that began on 8 January 2026 amid an intensifying wave of anti-government protests.
Daily life in Tehran. Iranians shop in a street market on 20 January 2026. Iran is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout that began on 8 January 2026 amid an intensifying wave of anti-government protests. Photo: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/PAP/EPA

At the end of last week, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador over ongoing violent social protests in the country, to which the ruling clerical regime has responded with brutality.”

Eisa Kameli, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Poland, was received in Warsaw by Polish diplomats over violent protests that have been taking place in Iran for more than two weeks, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on social media.

Poland appeals for an end to the use of force against protesters and for dialogue to be initiated. It also expresses deep concern over the Iranian authorities' response to recent events, particularly the growing number of casualties and arrests.

Based on its own historical experience, Poland is certain that violence against freedom of speech, association, or peaceful demonstrations is unacceptable and is not an effective means of achieving political goals,” the statement said.

Recognizing the value of the special, historical Polish-Iranian relationship, Poland hopes for dialogue between the Iranian authorities and the protesters to begin as soon as possible,” added in a note in mid-January.

Warning over consequences of attack on Iran’s supreme leader

Iran’s parliamentary commission on national security has warned that any attack on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be treated as a declaration of jihad, or holy war, according to Iran’s state news agency, cited by Reuters on Tuesday, 20 January.

The warning comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington following a violent crackdown on protests across Iran. President Donald Trump has said the situation could prompt a response from the United States.

“Any attack on the Supreme Leader means to a declaration of war with the entire Islamic world and must await the issuance of a Jihad decree by Islamic scholars, and the response of Islam’s soldiers in all parts of the world,” the parliamentary commission said.

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Source: X/@PolandMFA/@conflict_live/PAP/Reuters