Iran warns US attack could spark Middle East-Wide war

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any US attack on Iran would not be limited to the two countries but would escalate into a regional war across the Middle East , amid rapidly rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

His remarks on Sunday came at a time when relations between Iran and the United States have sharply deteriorated. Following a tough crackdown by Iranian authorities on recent nationwide protests, US President Donald Trump has warned of possible military action against Iran. In this context, the United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with other warships to the Arabian Sea, though it remains unclear whether a direct strike will take place.

Khamenei said Iran does not seek war or aggression against any country, but made it clear that any attack or provocation would invite a strong response. “We do not want to attack anyone, but if Iran is attacked or harassed, there will be a decisive reply,” he said, adding that if the United States starts a war, it would turn into a regional conflict.

The Supreme Leader also addressed the recent unrest in Iran, where protests that began on December 28 over economic grievances gradually turned into demonstrations against his rule. He described the protests as a conspiracy against the state , alleging that key institutions were targeted and that police stations, banks and mosques were attacked. Security forces have detained thousands of people in connection with the unrest.

Meanwhile, Iran has announced preparations for live-fire military exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz , through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The development has raised concerns over global oil transportation. The US Central Command has warned that commercial shipping should not be disrupted during the drills.

Tensions have further escalated after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Iran would consider all European Union militaries as terrorist groups, following the EU’s decision to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Although largely symbolic, the move has added to the political strain.

During the announcement, Iranian lawmakers wore Revolutionary Guard uniforms in Parliament and raised slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” The Revolutionary Guards function directly under the supervision of Khamenei and are loyal only to him.

Separately, Trump has stepped up his criticism of Iran’s nuclear programme , reiterating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains his top priority. While he has claimed that Iran is open to talks, there is still no clarity on the possibility of direct negotiations.

Overall, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to intensify, with the international community warning that even a minor miscalculation could push the region toward a major conflict.