'This Time It Will Be Regional War': Iran's Khamenei Warns US Against Attack

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 15:46 IST

Khamenei made the remarks as tensions rose sharply between Tehran and Washington after the US sent an aircraft carrier group and additional forces to the Gulf.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump. (File photos)

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday warned that any military attack by the United States on Iran would trigger a wider regional war, as tensions rose following Washington’s increased military presence in the Middle East.

Speaking amid fresh unrest at home and growing international pressure, Khamenei said the US should be under no illusion about the consequences of military action.

“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," said the supreme leader, adding that Iranians “should not be scared" by threats from US President Donald Trump.

The warning came after the US dispatched an aircraft carrier group and additional forces to the Gulf, following weeks of anti-government protests in Iran and sharp rhetoric from Washington.

The protests began as demonstrations over the rising cost of living and economic hardship but later developed into a broader anti-government movement. Iranian leaders have described the unrest as “riots" driven by foreign enemies, including the US and Israel.

Khamenei rejected claims that the protests were spontaneous, likening them to an organised attempt to overthrow the state. “They (rioters) attacked the police, government centres, IRGC centres, banks, and mosques, and burned the Koran… It was like a coup," he said, adding that the authorities had suppressed it.

Iranian officials have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people were killed during the unrest, but insist that most of the dead were members of the security forces or civilians caught in the violence. Tehran has blamed what it calls “terrorist acts" for the deaths.

Human rights groups and several foreign governments dispute that account, accusing Iran’s security forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of killing thousands of protesters in a brutal crackdown.

Despite the hostile exchanges, both sides have suggested talks remain possible. Trump said dialogue was under way, while Iran said it was open to nuclear talks provided its missile and defence programmes were excluded. Regional leaders, including Qatar, have also sought to ease tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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