Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning that any military attack by the United States would lead to a “regional war” in the Middle East. His comments followed remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military intervention in response to Iran’s crackdown on protests that have spread across the nation. Khamenei’s statement was made during a gathering in Tehran and reported by the Tasnim news agency.
Tensions escalated after the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group in international waters in the Persian Gulf. Khamenei emphasized that the U.S. seeks to control Iran’s resources, claiming that American interests lie in seizing the country’s oil and gas. He stated, “The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war.” Khamenei reiterated Iran’s defensive stance, asserting, “We are not the instigators… But if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them.”
In a separate context, President Trump has voiced his intentions to negotiate a deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. While he has suggested that Iran should seek a “satisfactory” agreement to prevent the development of nuclear weapons, he has not clarified whether military action is on the table. Trump remarked, “I don’t know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us.”
Khamenei’s position on recent protests has shifted. Initially acknowledging that some demonstrators had legitimate economic concerns, he later described the unrest that began on December 28, 2022, as an attempted coup against his regime. He criticized protesters for attacking police and government facilities, calling their actions an effort to destabilize the country.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which relies on an extensive network within Iran, the death toll from the protests has risen to at least 6,713, with more than 49,500 people detained. This figure is significantly higher than the official count provided by the Iranian government, which has reported 3,117 fatalities. The discrepancy highlights the challenges in verifying information due to the government’s control over internet access and information dissemination.
The ongoing unrest has drawn comparisons to the chaotic period surrounding the 1979 Iranian Revolution, as the current situation has led to heightened scrutiny of the country’s leadership. The Iranian government has characterized many of the protesters as “terrorists,” further complicating the narrative surrounding the demonstrations.
In response to the escalating tensions, Iran has scheduled a live-fire military drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes. The U.S. military’s Central Command has warned Iran against threatening American vessels or disrupting commercial traffic during the exercise.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the international community watches closely, mindful of the potential implications for regional stability and global oil markets. The situation remains fluid, with both sides seemingly poised for confrontation while also expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue.