Tehran Urges Diplomacy as Tensions Rise with US

Tehran warns of regional conflict if US attacks

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that a potential US military strike against Iran would escalate into a broader regional conflict. The warning came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to rise, following the US Navy’s buildup in the Middle East.

The build-up includes six destroyers, one aircraft carrier, and three littoral combat ships operating in the region after President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened intervention if Iran did not comply with a nuclear deal or curb its actions during ongoing protests against economic hardships. The protests have now largely subsided due to government crackdowns.

Iran has stated its readiness for “fair” negotiations that do not impinge on its defensive capabilities, but remains unyielding in its stance. Tehran blamed the protesters for attempting to overthrow the country’s governing centers, though official and independent death toll estimates diverge significantly with 3,117 deaths attributed by government sources versus HRANA’s verified figure of over 6,000.

This latest pronouncement from Khamenei underscores the heightened stakes in the ongoing dispute between the US and Iran.