Tehran, Iran – Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserted on Sunday that any military adventure the United States might undertake against his country would be unlike previous ones. He also warned that the next confrontation “will be a full-blown regional war.”
The options on the table are not new.
In a speech addressed to the Iranian people, Khamenei downplayed the escalating American threats. He dismissed talk of “moving ships and aircraft and keeping all options on the table” as repetitive rhetoric that should not cause fear. He stated, “The Iranian people are not affected by these threats; we have heard them repeatedly in the past.”
Warning of the conflict spreading
The Iranian Supreme Leader drew a clear line between the desire for peace and military deterrence. He emphasized that Tehran does not seek to attack any country, but at the same time, it will not hesitate to defend itself. He added, “We are not the ones who initiate these conflicts, but we will deliver a powerful blow to anyone who attacks or harasses us.” He addressed a direct message to the US administration, saying, “The Americans should know very well; if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” in a clear reference to Tehran’s ability to activate its allies in the region. He also indicated the possibility of expanding the scope of its attacks.
He described the “national revolution” as sedition.
In a notable domestic development, Khamenei addressed the recent popular movement, which his opponents describe as a “national revolution.” He vehemently attacked this movement, labeling it a “sedition-like coup,” in an attempt to delegitimize the anti-regime actions. He also linked these actions to foreign plots.
