Washington/Tehran – U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed hope for a deal with Iran, even as the country’s supreme leader warned that any American attack would trigger a regional war.
The warning comes after Iran’s authorities violently suppressed nationwide anti-government protests that peaked last month, leaving thousands dead. In response, Trump threatened military action and dispatched an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the unrest as a “coup” and told citizens not to fear U.S. threats. “The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said, adding that rioters had attacked government and security facilities, banks, mosques, and even burned the Koran.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the warning but remained cautiously optimistic: “Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
The demonstrations, initially sparked by the high cost of living, evolved into a nationwide anti-government movement. Iranian authorities have since released 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani on bail, following U.S. warnings that he was at risk of execution. Soltani had been arrested in January on charges of propaganda against the Islamic system and acting against national security.
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed concern over potential “miscalculations” but indicated that diplomatic channels remain open. “I see the possibility of another talk if the U.S. negotiation team follows what President Trump said: to come to a fair and equitable deal,” he told CNN, emphasizing that Iran seeks to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.
The crisis has intensified international tensions. Tehran recently published the names of 2,986 individuals killed during the protests, while the EU classified the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Iranian lawmakers retaliated by labeling European armies as terrorists in a dramatic session featuring chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Despite the escalating rhetoric, officials in both countries suggest dialogue continues. Iran has expressed willingness to engage in nuclear talks, provided discussions do not target its missile and defense programs, while Trump reiterated his preference for a negotiated resolution over military confrontation.
As both sides balance threats with diplomacy, the world watches closely for the next steps in a crisis that could reshape security dynamics across the Middle East.
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