Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Stark Warning to United States Over Military Threats
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a forceful warning on Sunday, stating that any military attack by the United States would ignite a "regional war" across the Middle East. This statement significantly escalates tensions between the two nations, coming amid repeated threats from President Donald Trump to strike the Islamic Republic.
Direct Threat in Response to US Naval Deployment
"The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," Khamenei declared in comments broadcast on Iranian state television, as reported by the Associated Press news agency. The 86-year-old leader emphasized Iran's defensive posture while issuing a firm warning: "We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it."
According to AP analysis, this represents the most direct threat Khamenei has made in response to recent US military maneuvers. The warning comes as President Trump has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with other American warships to pressure Iran. This naval buildup coincides with Iran's ongoing crackdown on nationwide protests that erupted in late December 2025.
Khamenei Labels Protests as "Coup" Attempt
The Supreme Leader has characterized the widespread demonstrations as a "coup" attempt against the Iranian government. "The recent sedition was similar to a coup. Of course, the coup was suppressed," Khamenei stated, adding detailed allegations about protester actions.
He claimed protesters targeted "sensitive and effective centers involved in running the country" including:
- Police stations and government centers
- Revolutionary Guard facilities
- Banks and financial institutions
- Mosques and religious sites
Khamenei further alleged that protesters burned copies of the Quran during the unrest, which he described as targeting "centers that run the country."
Controversial Death Toll Figures Emerge
The Iranian government's response to the protests has resulted in massive detentions and significant casualties. According to local health officials contacted by TIME magazine, authorities have:
- Detained tens of thousands of protesters
- Killed as many as 30,000 people during the crackdown
However, official government figures present a dramatically different picture, maintaining the death toll at just over 3,000. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRNA) has confirmed nearly 5,500 deaths, creating substantial discrepancy in reported casualty numbers.
Trump's Unclear Next Steps Amid Escalating Tensions
Despite President Trump's repeated threats of military strikes against Tehran in support of protesters, his administration's next moves remain uncertain. Trump has consistently claimed that "Iran is talking" about negotiations while keeping military options on the table.
The US President has called for Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions as a precondition for reduced tensions. During his second term, Trump has already authorized military action against Iran, with US forces striking three nuclear facilities:
- Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant
- Natanz Nuclear Facility
- Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre
As of Saturday night, President Trump declined to reveal whether he had made any decisions regarding further action against Tehran. The situation remains volatile with both sides exchanging threats while the international community watches closely for developments that could potentially destabilize the entire Middle East region.
