Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack on Iran would trigger a wider regional conflict, stressing that Tehran does not seek war but will respond forcefully to aggression.
Speaking amid rising tensions, Khamenei said Iranians will not be intimidated by military threats, adding that repeated warnings and displays of force will fail to pressure the country into submission.
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Meanwhile, the United States has increased its naval presence in the Middle East, deploying an aircraft carrier, six destroyers, and several combat ships as Washington intensifies pressure over Iran’s nuclear stance.
However, Iranian leaders signaled diplomacy remains possible, with Khamenei saying Tehran is open to fair negotiations that respect national sovereignty and do not limit Iran’s defensive capabilities.
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At the same time, Khamenei addressed recent unrest, calling protests a coordinated attempt to destabilize the state, while officials said demonstrations have subsided following a strong security response.
Official figures reported more than three thousand deaths during the unrest, while rights groups cited higher tolls, highlighting ongoing international concern as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to rise.