IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER WARNS A US ATTACK COULD TRIGGER REGIONAL WAR. (PHOTO).

 Iran’s supreme leader warns a US attack could trigger regional war

 Iran’s supreme leader warned Sunday that any U.S. attack on the country would trigger a “regional war,” escalating tensions as President Donald Trump has threatened military action in response to Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, made the remarks as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying U.S. warships remain in the Arabian Sea, deployed by Trump following Iran’s suppression of demonstrations. While Trump has repeatedly hinted at military options, he has also suggested that Iran seeks negotiations and raised concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program as a separate issue.

Khamenei labeled the protests, which began Dec. 28 over economic hardships and the collapse of Iran’s rial currency, as a “coup,” reinforcing a hardline stance as tens of thousands have reportedly been detained. Sedition charges in Iran can carry the death penalty, heightening fears of mass executions. The supreme leader said, “We are not the instigators, we are not going to be unfair to anyone, we don’t plan to attack any country. But if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them.”

The warning came as Iran planned live-fire military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes. U.S. Central Command warned against targeting American forces or disrupting commercial shipping during the drills. Khamenei also criticized the United States, accusing it of wanting to control Iran’s oil, natural gas, and other resources. “The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” he said.

Despite previously acknowledging some legitimate economic grievances, Khamenei emphasized that the demonstrations had turned violent, targeting police, government offices, Revolutionary Guard facilities, banks, mosques, and even burning copies of the Quran. Human rights organizations report that over 49,500 people have been detained and at least 6,713 killed, though the Iranian government claims a lower death toll of 3,117, including civilians, security forces, and so-called terrorists.

Meanwhile, the speaker of Iran’s parliament declared all European Union militaries as terrorist groups after the bloc labeled Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Guard commander, said the EU’s move harms its own interests and accused Europe of blindly following U.S. policy. Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” in parliament.

Trump has identified two red lines for possible military action: the killing of peaceful protesters or the mass execution of detainees. He has also raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking to reporters Saturday, Trump did not indicate a decision on military action but said Iran is in “serious” negotiations with the U.S. and emphasized the need for a deal to prevent nuclear weapons development.

The standoff comes as both sides maintain a tense posture, with the U.S. fleet in the region and Iran reinforcing its military and political positions in response to both domestic unrest and international pressure.