Khamenei Warns US: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning to the United States over the deployment of American warships in and around Iranian waters, cautioning that any military action against Iran could trigger a wider regional conflict in West Asia.

Speaking amid rising tensions, Khamenei said Iran was not seeking war but would respond decisively if attacked. “We are not war instigators, but if anyone attacks us, we will give a befitting reply,” he stated, warning that a US strike on Iran would have serious consequences for the entire region. His remarks come as Washington, under President Donald Trump, continues to increase its military presence in the Middle East.

Iran has also announced plans to conduct a “strategic military exercise” in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and Monday. In response, the US Central Command warned that any attempt to threaten American warships or aircraft during the drills would not be tolerated. Khamenei further described recent internal protests in Iran as part of a “major conspiracy” against the country.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that all European Union countries would be designated as terrorist organizations. President Massoud Pezeshkian accused the European Union, the United States, and Israel of fueling unrest and attempting to divide the nation. He reiterated that Iran does not seek war with the United States but will defend its sovereignty if provoked.