Amid US President Donald Trump’s military buildup in the Middle East, Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader Ali Khamenei has issued a clear warning to the United States: any attack on Iran will trigger a “regional war” this time. Speaking at a central Tehran event on Sunday, the 86-year-old Khamenei, who has held absolute power in Iran for 37 years, stated, “If they start a war this time, it will turn into a regional war.”
Khamenei’s address was delivered to supporters gathered for the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return from exile in France in 1979, which sparked the Iranian Revolution and forced the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to flee.
Khamenei accused the US of seeking to “devour” Iran and its vast oil and gas resources. He labeled the recent anti-government protests as “new sedition”—similar to his description of the 2009 Green Movement. He said, “This sedition was like a coup attempt, which was suppressed. Their goal was to destroy key centers running the country—attacking police stations, government offices, IRGC bases, banks, mosques, and burning copies of the Quran.”
Following Khamenei’s speech, Trump expressed hope for a deal with Iran. Asked about the warning, Trump told reporters, “Of course, he will say that. Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If not, we’ll see if he was right.”
Background of the Protests
The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s commercial district, where shopkeepers demonstrated against economic decline, corruption, and the rial’s collapse due to US and allied sanctions. They soon spread nationwide, fueled by curtailed personal freedoms, energy and water crises, and severe air pollution.
The UN, international human rights groups, and opposition claim security forces shot or stabbed thousands dead. A UN rapporteur said fatalities could exceed 20,000 as more details emerge despite an internet blackout. US-based activists claim 6,713 deaths, investigating 17,000 more. Official media reports 3,117 deaths—2,427 civilians, the rest security personnel—blaming US-Israel-backed “terrorists.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian promised to release names and details of the deceased soon but gave no timeline. The government sent SMS messages claiming it would counter “false claims and figures.” One Iranian woman told Al Jazeera, “SMS cannot wash away the blood. Many Iranians are in mourning.”
Government Moves to Ease Tensions
To calm societal tensions, the government sent another SMS on Sunday announcing women will soon be allowed to ride motorcycles—a current ban alongside mandatory dress codes and punishments for violations.
In parliament, hardliners wore IRGC uniforms and chanted “Death to America” in response to the EU designating the IRGC a “terrorist” group. Tehran retaliated by banning EU armed forces.
Formed after the revolution, the IRGC now dominates Iran’s military and economy. It stated EU actions hinder regional peace and cooperation.