Iran warns of ‘regional war’ if the United States attacks it

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Sunday 1 February that any military attack by the United States on his country would lead to a regional war, warning that the repercussions of any confrontation would not be confined within Iran’s borders.

Iran: regional war will follow if Trump attacks

Khamenei made the remarks in a speech addressed to the Iranian people from his residence in the capital Tehran, on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Iranian Revolution, stressing that ‘the Americans must realise that igniting war this time will lead to a comprehensive regional war.’

The Iranian leader stressed that his country would ‘respond forcefully’ to any aggression or harm directed against it, while emphasising that Tehran does not seek to start a war and does not intend to attack any country, according to his statement.

These statements come amid escalating regional tensions, with the United States intensifying its military build-up in the Middle East, coinciding with threats by US President Donald Trump to target Iran militarily.

In this context, Tehran believes that Washington is working, through economic sanctions, political pressure and the stirring up of internal unrest, to create justifications for foreign intervention with the aim of changing the regime. The Iranian authorities affirm that they will respond with a ‘comprehensive and unprecedented response’ to any attack targeting them, even if it is limited.

Nuclear weapons

With regard to the nuclear issue, the United States and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, accusations that Tehran denies, asserting that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, including the generation of electricity.

Khamenei also addressed the recent wave of protests in the country, describing them as a ‘coup attempt’ that had been thwarted. He said that these events targeted ‘sensitive and influential centres of the country’s administration,’ noting that the protesters attacked government and security institutions and Revolutionary Guard headquarters, as well as banks and mosques.

Iran witnessed widespread protests in late December 2025, which lasted for nearly two weeks, against the backdrop of a sharp decline in the value of the local currency and the worsening economic crisis. The protests began in the capital, Tehran, before spreading to a number of other cities, at a time when Iranian President Masoud Bazshkian acknowledged the existence of popular discontent and pledged to take steps to address the economic and living conditions.

Featured image via the Canary