Iran's intelligence minister warned against any attempt by Iran's enemies, including Israel and the United States, to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to provoke unrest within the country, a local media outlet reported.

Ali Khamenei, aged 86 and in power since 1989, is the country's number one and ultimate decision-maker in all strategic matters of the Islamic Republic.

"The pillar (...) is the guide of the Revolution. That is why the enemy seeks to target it and take measures that threaten this axis of unity," said Esmail Khatib, quoted Saturday evening by the Isna agency.

It is unclear whether the intelligence minister was referring to a specific incident or project, but Iranian officials regularly warn of alleged foreign plots, usually attributed to the United States and Israel.

Statements regarding the safety of the Supreme Leader were rare before the June war between Iran and Israel.

On June 13, Israel launched an unprecedented surprise attack against strategic facilities in Iran, killing dozens of senior Iranian officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

These strikes triggered a 12-day war between the two enemy countries, during which the United States also bombed three Iranian nuclear sites.

On November 11, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian stated that he had feared an assassination of Mr. Khamenei during this conflict and that his death would cause internal divisions.

"I had no fear for my safety. I was afraid that something would happen to the Guide and that we would fight," Mr. Pezeshkian said in a video.

Israeli and American leaders have repeatedly threatened to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei.

"Killing the supreme leader will not worsen the conflict. It will end it," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News during the war.

US President Donald Trump, for his part, had said that the supreme leader was "an easy target" but that his country was "not going to eliminate him, at least not for now."

During the 12 days of war against Israel, Ayatollah Khamenei did not appear in public.

However, he had addressed the nation in recordings in which he appeared alone.

Since the ceasefire came into effect on June 24, the supreme leader has significantly reduced the number of public events.