TEHRAN – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that any attack on Iran will lead to a “regional war” as US President Donald Trump looks forward to reaching a deal with Tehran.
“You should know that the next time you start a war, it will be a regional war,” the 86-year-old supreme leader told a crowd of supporters gathered at an event in downtown Tehran on Sunday to mark the anniversary of Ruhollah Khomeini’s return to Iran from French exile in 1979, which led to the Iranian revolution and the flight of U.S.-backed ruler Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.
Khamenei said the US wanted to “devour” Iran and its vast oil and gas resources, adding that what happened during recent anti-government protests “resembled a coup d’état” as numerous government offices, banks and mosques were attacked.
Khamenei said the uprising aimed at “destroying the sensitive and effective center responsible for the running of the country” was finally put down.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of supporting people they describe as “insurgents” and “terrorists” who have committed acts of violence during the protests.
He ruled out the US sending aircraft carriers or warships to the Arabian Gulf, saying such a move was “nothing new.”
Khamenei said U.S. officials have repeatedly issued similar warnings in the past, often insisting that “all options are on the table”, including military action.
Ayatollah Khamenei said of President Trump, “This man also constantly claims, “We brought warships.”
“The Iranian state should not be intimidated by such things. The Iranian people are not immune to such threats.”
On Wednesday, President Trump said in a social media post that a massive “armada” was headed toward Iran and urged Iran to enter negotiations immediately.
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The statement fueled speculation about a possible military attack by the United States, sparking a strong reaction from Iranian officials and a hectic diplomatic campaign in the region.
Khamenei stressed that Iran would not be the initiator of any war and would “not seek to attack any country” and warned that “those who attack or harass Iran will be dealt a thorough blow.”
Despite growing concerns about a U.S. attack on Iran, there are signs that tensions are easing.
On Saturday, Iranian official Ali Larijani said a “structured framework” for negotiations was “taking shape and moving forward”, dismissing what he called media hype.
President Trump also told reporters that Iran is in “serious discussions” with the U.S. government.
Larijani himself reportedly visited Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Asked about the supreme leader’s warning, President Trump told reporters: “Of course he would say that.
“I hope we can reach an agreement. If we don’t, we will find out whether he made the right decision or not.”
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities are also holding “celebrations” across the country to mark the anniversary and reinforce their message of defiance.
Revolutionary Guards and military units, joined by police and other security personnel, marched through the streets of Tehran on Sunday in a clear show of force. Soldiers on motorbikes led a parade from Mehrabad airport to Behesht Zahra cemetery, where Khomeini gave his first speech in 1979.
In his speech, Khamenei also emphasized the importance of state events, claiming that while millions of people took part in pro-government rallies on January 12, “only a few thousand” rose up against the Islamic Republic in nationwide protests. — Agency
