Tehran: Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has warned that if the United States were to initiate a war, it would turn into a regional conflict. Speaking at a meeting with a large gathering of people in Tehran, on the eve of the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the anniversary of the return of the founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini to Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed recent US threats.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the Americans sometimes talk about war and speak of aircraft, warships, and the like, which is nothing new. Historically, Americans have repeatedly issued threats in their statements and mentioned that all options were on the table, including war. Referring to US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that this man also keeps claiming that they have brought in warships and similar military assets, but the Iranian nation must not be frightened as they are not influenced by these threats.
He emphasized that Iranians are not the initiators and do not seek to attack any country, but will respond firmly to anyone who attacks or harasses them. Ayatollah Khamenei asserted that if the Americans start a war, it will become a regional conflict. He highlighted that Iran possesses valuable assets like oil, gas, rich mines, and a strategic location, which attract covetous powers who seek to dominate the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei remarked that for over thirty years, the Americans controlled Iran’s resources, politics, security, and foreign relations, acting as they pleased. Their influence has now been cut off, yet they aim to return to the Pahlavi-era status. However, the Iranian people stand firm, blocking their attempts. He dismissed claims about human rights and other pretexts as empty words.
He further explained that the anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s return to Iran laid the foundation for the Islamic Revolution’s victory on February 11, the establishment of the Islamic Republic, and all subsequent national achievements. He described recent unrest in Iran as a foreign-backed plot with US and Israeli roots, asserting that the organizers were trained and funded from abroad, while some participants were misguided youths.
Ayatollah Khamenei cited public rallies as proof of popular support for the Islamic Republic and rejected Western human rights claims as pretexts. He stated that hostility toward Iran stems from its independent path and resistance to global powers, warning that such plots may recur. Stressing the necessity of security for progress, he credited public participation with neutralizing unrest. He emphasized that Iran’s resources and strategic position fuel foreign ambitions, but the Iranian nation will remain steadfast and deter any aggression.