Washington: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned that any attack by the United States would spark a "regional war" in the Middle East, further escalating tensions.
The fresh attack from the Iranian leadership came after the United States ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East as President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with intervention if it did not agree to a nuclear deal or failed to stop killing protesters.
"The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," Khamenei was quoted as saying by Iranian state television. He added: "We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it."
He compared the recent protests in Iran to a "coup" backed by the United States and Israel, and said that the unrest was part of what he described as "sedition" aimed at weakening the country’s leadership. Khamenei also dismissed US military movements in the region, saying the Iranian people would not be intimidated by threats.
Hours after Khamenei's fiery warning, Trump said he still hoped to reach a deal with Tehran, despite threats of a wider regional conflict. He added that his administration remained focused on diplomacy, while keeping other options open. "Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he (Khamenei) was right," Trump said.
The comments came amid growing uncertainty following weeks of protests in Iran. It began in late December over economic hardship and living conditions. They later grew into the most serious political challenge to the Islamic Republic since 1979. Security forces responded with a heavy crackdown, leading to thousands of deaths and arrests.
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Reza Pahlavi calls for global protest on Feb 14Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s late shah and a long-time exile in the Washington area, has called for a global day of action on February 14 in support of the Iranian people. In a post on X, Pahlavi urged Iranians abroad and supporters worldwide to take to the streets for what he called the “Global Day of Action in solidarity with Iran’s Lion-and-Sun Revolution". He outlined six clear demands for the international community to act upon: dismantle the regime’s machinery of repression, cut off its financial lifelines, ensure free internet and communications, expel regime diplomats and prosecute its criminals, release all political prisoners, and recognise a transitional government to lead Iran towards democracy. |
