Iran's supreme leader warns of regional war if US attacks
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any military strike on Iran by the United States would ignite a wider regional conflict, as tensions rise amid a growing US military presence near Iranian waters.
'The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,' Khamenei was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, dismissing US military deployments as intimidation tactics that would not frighten Iran.
His remarks came as US President Donald Trump said Tehran was engaged in 'serious discussions' with Washington and expressed hope that talks could lead to an 'acceptable' outcome. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling CNN he believed an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme was achievable, despite deep mistrust.
Araghchi said Iran no longer views the US as a reliable negotiating partner but confirmed that indirect talks, facilitated by friendly regional countries, were producing 'fruitful' exchanges. Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani has earlier said a basic framework for negotiations was taking shape.
The warning from Khamenei followed a US military buildup in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea. US Central Command has said its forces are operating to deter threats and protect regional stability.
Iran had been expected to hold live-fire naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil chokepoint, but Iranian officials later said no such exercise was planned. About one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passes through the narrow waterway, and Iran has repeatedly warned it could close the strait if attacked.
Meanwhile, anxiety inside Iran increased after two deadly explosions over the weekend. Authorities said blasts in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz were caused by gas leaks, denying speculation of targeted attacks.
Trump has said Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and halt its violent crackdown on protesters to avoid US military action. Rights groups estimate thousands have been killed since unrest erupted late last year, while Iranian authorities blame the violence on what Khamenei described as a suppressed 'coup' against the state.
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