The Judiciary chief , Gholam Hosseini Mohseni Ejehei , warned on 4 March 2026 that anyone expressing or acting in favour of the U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign will be treated as an enemy of the state and may face the death penalty . The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the ongoing Iran‑Israel war . Key Developments Ejehei reiterated that “riot cases” from the January 2026 nationwide protests remain a priority for prosecution. He announced a new legal category: anyone who cooperates with the enemy will be classified as an enemy, subject to wartime legal provisions. The threat extends to verbal or written support for the Zionist regime and the United States. Potential charges include treason and espionage, which under Iranian law can carry capital punishment. Important Facts Iran’s judiciary operates under the framework of Revolutionary Islamic principles , which grant the state broad powers during wartime. The January protests, sparked by economic grievances, were suppressed with force, leading to numerous arrests. The current rhetoric signals an expansion of punitive measures beyond protestors to include dissent linked to foreign adversaries. UPSC Relevance Understanding this development is crucial for several UPSC topics: GS 2 – Polity & Governance: The role of the judiciary in a theocratic system and the use of emergency powers. GS 1 – International Relations: Iran’s perception of the United States and Israel as adversaries, and the impact on regional security dynamics. GS 4 – Ethics & Integrity: The balance between national security and civil liberties, and the ethical implications of capital punishment for political dissent. Way Forward Analysts suggest that the judiciary’s hardline stance may deter overt pro‑U.S./Israeli activism but could also fuel underground opposition and exacerbate human‑rights concerns. For policymakers, monitoring legal amendments and their implementation will be essential to assess Iran’s internal stability and its broader strategic posture in the Middle East.