Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any military attack by the United States on Iran would not remain limited and could trigger a broader regional conflict, Iranian state media reported amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Khamenei said the Iranian nation would not be intimidated by US military threats or displays of force in the region.
Referring to repeated statements by US President Donald Trump about deploying naval assets, he said such moves would not frighten Iran or weaken its resolve.
He stressed that Iran does not seek to initiate conflict or attack any country. However, he warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any aggression, saying the nation would deliver a “decisive blow” to anyone who attempted to harm or harass it.
The warning comes as the United States has increased its naval presence in the Middle East.
According to officials, the US Navy currently has an aircraft carrier, several destroyers and littoral combat ships deployed in the region, a move that has heightened fears of a military confrontation.
Despite the rising tensions, Iranian officials have said diplomacy remains an option.
Tehran has indicated its willingness to engage in what it described as “fair” negotiations, provided that talks do not seek to limit Iran’s missile programme or defensive capabilities.
