DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that any military strike by the United States would trigger a “regional war” in the Middle East, intensifying tensions amid threats from Washington over Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.
The 86-year-old leader’s remarks represent the most direct warning so far, coming as the U.S. deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Arabian Sea following the bloody suppression of demonstrations across Iran.
Khamenei described the protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of Iran’s rial currency and later evolved into a broader challenge to his rule, as “a coup.” Tens of thousands of demonstrators have reportedly been detained, with sedition charges carrying the death penalty—a major red line highlighted by President Donald Trump.
“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said during a speech at his Tehran compound, marking the start of a multi-day commemoration of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“We are not the instigators… but if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them,” he added.
Khamenei also criticized the U.S., accusing Washington of seeking control over Iran’s oil, gas, and mineral resources, “just as they controlled it before.” He reaffirmed the government’s hardline stance against demonstrators, claiming they attacked police, government centers, Revolutionary Guard facilities, banks, and mosques, even burning copies of the Quran.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists New Agency reports that over 49,500 people have been detained and at least 6,713 killed, mostly demonstrators, though the Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the figures due to Iran’s internet restrictions. Iranian authorities, as of January 21, reported a lower death toll of 3,117, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, labeling the remainder as “terrorists.”
In a separate development, Iran’s parliament announced that all European Union militaries are now considered “terrorist groups,” a response to the bloc designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terror organization over its role in the crackdown. Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session, as members donned Revolutionary Guard uniforms in solidarity with the force, which controls Iran’s ballistic missiles and answers directly to Khamenei.
President Trump has outlined two red lines for potential U.S. military action: the killing of peaceful protesters and the possible mass execution of detainees. He has also increasingly raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, noting that Tehran is engaging in talks to reach a “satisfactory” agreement, though he expressed uncertainty whether Iran would comply.
Meanwhile, Iran had planned live-fire military exercises on Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for one-fifth of global oil trade, prompting warnings from the U.S. Central Command to avoid threatening American forces or commercial shipping.
“Some people think that [Iran would be emboldened if we don’t strike]. Some people don’t,” Trump said when asked about potential U.S. actions, signaling that Washington continues to weigh diplomatic and military options.
The standoff underscores growing volatility in the region as both sides signal readiness to defend national interests while the international community watches closely.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
