Khamenei threatens regional conflict in case of a US attack on Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that if the United States attacks Iran, it will escalate into a regional conflict. His words are quoted by the agency Reuters.

The United States has stepped up its naval presence in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with intervention if it does not agree to a nuclear deal or stop killing protesters.

"The Iranian people should not be afraid of these things, the Iranian people will not be disturbed by these threats," Khamenei said, commenting on Trump's statements about the ships.

"We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian people will strike back hard against anyone who attacks and persecutes them," the Iranian supreme leader continued.

Both Tehran and Washington are ready to resume negotiations to reach an agreement amid tensions in the Persian Gulf, with Tehran declaring its readiness for "fair" talks that will not be aimed at limiting its defense capabilities.

• On January 2, 2026 Trump promised to intervene if the Iranian authorities use force to suppress protests caused by economic problems.
• Axios wrote that the U.S. military was ready on Trump's order to strike Iran, but it never came.
• On January 26, the US president said that the situation with Iran is changing, as he has sent a "great armada," but the politician believes that Tehran really wants to make a deal.