Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any U.S. attack on the country would trigger a "regional war," escalating tensions as President Donald Trump threatens military action over Iran's nuclear program and crackdown on protesters. The U.S. has deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, while Iran has designated European Union armies as "terrorist groups" in retaliation for the EU labeling its Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.
Core Developments
- Iran's Warning: Khamenei stated that a U.S. attack would lead to a regional conflict, emphasizing that Iran does not seek war but will respond forcefully to aggression. He described recent protests as a "coup" orchestrated by foreign actors, including the U.S. and Israel.
- U.S. Military Presence: The U.S. has increased its naval presence in the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln operating near Iran. Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not halt its nuclear ambitions or suppress protests.
Negotiations and Escalation
Trump has expressed hope for a "fair and equitable" nuclear deal with Iran, stating that talks are ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said trust must be rebuilt for meaningful negotiations, though Iran has lost confidence in the U.S. as a partner. Regional allies like Turkey are seeking de-escalation, while Iran has denied plans for live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.
Protests and Retaliation
Iran has acknowledged over 3,000 deaths during recent protests, attributing most to "terrorist acts." Rights groups and foreign governments accuse Iran of killing thousands of protesters. In retaliation for the EU's designation of the IRGC, Iranian lawmakers labeled EU militaries as terrorist groups, chanting slogans against the U.S. and Israel.
Military Posturing
The U.S. has warned Iran against "unsafe and unprofessional behavior" near its forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to attacks. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated he will not wait indefinitely for Iran to meet his demands, including abandoning nuclear ambitions and halting protest crackdowns.