Any US-initiated war would expand to regional conflict: Iran’s Leader

Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has warned that if the United States were to initiate a war, it would turn into a regional conflict.

News ID: ۳۸۶۳۵۲

پنجشنبه - ۰۲ ارديبهشت ۲۰۲۶ / 2026 02 February

Speaking at a meeting with a large gathering of people in Tehran on Sunday, on the eve of the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the anniversary of the return of the founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini to Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed recent US threats.

He said the fact that Americans sometimes talk about war and speak of aircraft, warships and the like is nothing new. In the past as well, Americans repeatedly issued threats in their statements and said that all options were on the table, including the option of war.

Referring to US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Khamenei said that now this man also keeps claiming that they have brought in warships and the like. The Iranian nation must not be frightened by such things; the people of Iran are not influenced by these threats.

He emphasized that we (Iranians) are not the initiators, and we do not seek to attack any country but will deliver a firm punch to anyone who attacks or harasses it.

Of course, the Americans should know that if they start a war, this time the war will be a regional one, the Leader concluded.

The Leader noted that Iran possesses many valuable assets, including its oil, gas, rich mines, and strategic location, and that such wealth and importance attract the greedy eyes of covetous powers, who have long sought to dominate the country.

According to Ayatollah Khamenei, for over thirty years, the Americans had controlled Iran’s resources, oil, politics, security, and foreign relations, acting as they pleased. Their influence has now been cut off, yet they aim to return to the Pahlavi-era status. But the Iranian people stand firm, blocking them. That is the real conflict. Claims about human rights and other pretexts are nothing but empty words.

They remain covetous, yet Iran stands firm and will continue to do so. By God’s grace, the Iranian nation will thwart their malicious intentions and hostile measures, the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said the anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s return to Iran laid the foundation for the Islamic Revolution’s victory on February 11, the establishment of the Islamic Republic, and all subsequent national achievements, adding that the blessings of that historic day continue.

He described recent unrest in Iran as a foreign-backed plot with US and Israeli roots, saying the organizers were trained and funded from abroad, while some participants were misguided youths. Ayatollah Khamenei cited public rallies as proof of popular support for the Islamic Republic and rejected Western human rights claims as pretexts.

He said hostility toward Iran stems from its independent path and resistance to global powers, warning such plots may recur. Stressing that security is essential for progress, he credited public participation with neutralizing unrest. Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran’s resources and strategic position fuel foreign ambitions, but emphasized that the Iranian nation will remain steadfast and deter any aggression.