Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that any military attack by the United States would ignite a regional war in the Middle East, marking his most direct threat yet as American warships mass in the Arabian Sea. The 86-year-old leader's comments came during a speech commemorating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution as tensions between Tehran and Washington have reached their highest point in years.
Khamenei stated that the Americans should know that if they start a war this time, it will be a regional war. He emphasized that Iran does not seek to attack any country but warned that the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it. The Supreme Leader accused the United States of wanting to devour Iran and seize its oil and gas resources, characterizing recent nationwide protests as sedition similar to a coup.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships have been positioned in the Arabian Sea since January 23, sent by President Donald Trump following Iran's bloody crackdown on protests that began December 28 over the country's currency collapse. The death toll from the government's response remains disputed, with UN special rapporteur estimates suggesting it could exceed 20,000, while US-based activists have confirmed 6,713 deaths with investigations ongoing into 17,000 additional cases.
In a significant escalation on Sunday, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf announced that Tehran has designated all European Union militaries as terrorist organizations in retaliation for the EU's decision to label Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group. Qalibaf described the Revolutionary Guard as the greatest barrier to the spread of terrorism to Europe, marking a new low in Iran-EU relations.
Despite the heated rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open. Iranian security official Ali Larijani indicated that structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing, while Trump stated that Iran is seriously talking to the United States regarding a potential deal. Trump has set two red lines: killing peaceful protesters or mass executions of detained individuals. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pledged not to allow their airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran, adding complexity to any potential US military operation.
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