Iran's supreme leader warns any US attack would spark 'regional war'

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iran's supreme leader warned Sunday that any attack by the United States would spark a "regional war" in the Mideast, further escalating tensions as President Donald Trump has threatened to militarily strike the Islamic Republic. The comments from the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are the most-direct threat he's made so far as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and associated American warships are in the Arabian Sea, sent by Trump there after Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests."

"Khamenei warns US Iranian state television reported Khamenei's comments online before airing any footage of his remarks. "The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," Khamenei was quoted as saying. It added that Khamenei said: "We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it.""

"It remains unclear whether Trump will use force. He's repeatedly said Iran wants to negotiate and has brought up Tehran's nuclear program as another issue he wants to see resolved. But Khamenei also referred to the nationwide protests as "a coup," hardening the government's position as tens of thousands of people reportedly have been detained since the start of the demonstrations."

Iran's supreme leader warned that any U.S. attack would ignite a regional war and vowed retaliation against attacks or harassment. The United States dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Arabian Sea following Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. President Trump has threatened military strikes while also raising Iran's nuclear program and indicating willingness to negotiate; it remains unclear whether force will be used. Khamenei labeled the protests "a coup," hardening the government's stance as tens of thousands have been detained. Iran planned live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. Central Command warned against threats to American vessels or commercial traffic.

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