Iran’s Supreme Leader on Sunday (Feb.1) warned of regional war in the Middle East if the U.S. were to attack the country.
“The Iranian nation will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses them,” said Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.
“Also, Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned Iran about shooting peaceful protesters.
According to news outlet Iran International, Iran has killed over 36,000 protesters.
Trump threatened U.S. military action if a deal was not reached to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Recent satellite imagery shows some activity around two of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Roofs were put over certain areas to prevent satellites from seeing what is happening on the ground.
Trump on Sunday was asked by reporters about the Iranian Supreme Leader’s threat of regional war if Iran is attacked.
”We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there—very close. A couple of days—and hopefully we’ll make a deal,” Trump said.
“If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” he added.
The U.S. military currently has one aircraft carrier, six destroyers, and three littoral combat ships in the region.
“I think President Trump is wise enough to make the correct decision,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the news media.
He hinted at reaching a possible nuclear deal with the U.S.
“President Trump said no nuclear weapons, and we fully agree with that,” Araqchi said. “Of course, in return, we expect sanction lifting.”
“So that deal is possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was in Tehran this weekend and met with Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday that both sides emphasised the continuation of political and security cooperation and coordination in the region during the meeting.
The ministry stated that the talks were part of ongoing efforts to narrow differences and promote regional stability and security.
