Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on February 1 that any U.S. military attack on Iran would provoke a forceful response and could escalate into a wider regional war. Speaking in Tehran, he rejected accusations of Iranian aggression, accused Washington of seeking to control Iran’s resources, and said conflict would not be limited to Iran’s borders as U.S. forces bolster their presence in the region.
Despite the rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is engaged in serious talks with Washington on issues including its nuclear program, with regional mediators helping to advance dialogue. However, Tehran insists negotiations cannot proceed under military pressure, as the United States continues to impose sanctions and expand its military footprint, prompting Gulf allies to urge restraint amid fears of broader instability.
Credit – CGTN