Khamenei warns US of regional war if Iran comes under attack, escalating already fragile relations as American military deployments increase across the Middle East region.
Speaking in Tehran, Iran’s supreme leader delivered the warning during a major public event marking the anniversary of the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Washington of pursuing Iran’s vast oil and gas reserves, framing US pressure as an attempt to weaken the Islamic Republic.
The remarks come as US President Donald Trump increases military assets in the region, raising concerns about a potential confrontation between the longtime rivals.
Khamenei stated that any conflict initiated by the United States would not remain limited, warning it would engulf neighboring countries and destabilize the wider region.
The Iranian leader has ruled the country for decades and remains the ultimate authority over military, political, and judicial institutions within the Islamic Republic.
Addressing thousands of supporters, he portrayed Iran as a nation under siege, claiming foreign powers were exploiting internal unrest to undermine state stability.
Recent protests across Iran formed a central theme of the speech, with Khamenei describing the demonstrations as orchestrated attempts to overthrow the government.
He labeled the unrest a form of “sedition,” echoing language previously used during the 2009 Green Movement and other waves of dissent.
Iranian authorities insist foreign intelligence services supported the protests, alleging coordination aimed at sabotaging critical infrastructure and security institutions.
Khamenei alleged that police stations, banks, mosques, and government buildings were deliberately targeted to paralyze the country’s administrative systems.
The supreme leader dismissed protest demands as illegitimate, framing them as tools used by hostile governments rather than expressions of domestic dissatisfaction.
Protests initially erupted over worsening economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment, and the collapse of Iran’s national currency under heavy sanctions.
Demonstrations quickly expanded nationwide, incorporating broader grievances related to political freedoms, social restrictions, and deteriorating public services.
Human rights groups report large numbers of civilian deaths during the crackdown, though casualty figures remain sharply disputed by Iranian authorities.
Independent observers cite thousands killed, while Iranian state media acknowledges far lower figures and attributes many deaths to armed “terrorist elements.”
The United Nations has raised concerns about access to information, noting prolonged internet blackouts and restrictions on journalists during the unrest.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised transparency regarding casualties, pledging to release verified names, though no timetable has been announced.
In Washington, President Trump responded cautiously to Khamenei’s warning, expressing hope that negotiations could prevent further escalation.
Trump stated that while such rhetoric was expected, diplomacy remained preferable to military confrontation if Iran agreed to meaningful concessions.
Despite diplomatic language, both countries continue preparing for worst-case scenarios, reinforcing military postures while maintaining limited communication channels.
European involvement has further complicated tensions, particularly after the European Union designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
Iran retaliated by labeling European armed forces as terrorist groups, signaling a breakdown in already strained diplomatic relations with the bloc.
Inside Iran’s parliament, hardline lawmakers staged symbolic protests, wearing military uniforms and chanting anti-American slogans in response to EU actions.
The Revolutionary Guard, a powerful force within Iran, plays a central role in national defense and controls significant economic sectors.
Iranian officials argue that external pressure undermines prospects for dialogue, pushing the region closer to instability rather than encouraging compromise.
Authorities have attempted limited concessions at home, including signaling potential reforms on social restrictions, though critics remain skeptical.
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State-organized rallies continue nationwide, aimed at projecting unity and reinforcing revolutionary ideals during the anniversary commemorations.
Security forces have staged parades and public demonstrations, emphasizing readiness amid mounting international pressure and domestic unrest.
Analysts warn that miscalculation on either side could trigger a broader conflict, especially given overlapping crises across the Middle East.
With sanctions, protests, and military maneuvers converging, Iran-US relations remain volatile, leaving diplomacy fragile and the risk of escalation persistent.
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