WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal with Iran, despite a stark warning from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who cautioned that any US military action against the Islamic Republic could escalate into a regional conflict.
When asked about Khamenei’s remarks, Trump responded by saying, “Of course, he’s going to say that,” and added that he remained hopeful for a resolution. “Hopefully, we’ll make a deal,” he stated. However, he hinted at the consequences if no agreement is reached, remarking, “If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
In recent weeks, tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified. Following the Iranian government’s suppression of large-scale anti-government protests last month, Trump threatened military action and ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East.
On Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei likened the protests to a coup attempt, claiming they targeted various institutions, including police stations and mosques. He alleged that rioters burned copies of the Quran, emphasizing that “the coup was suppressed.” He also issued a stark warning to the US, stating that any aggression would have far-reaching consequences for the region. “The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei declared, urging Iranians not to fear Trump’s posturing.
The unrest in Iran originally started as public outcry over the rising cost of living but evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. Iranian officials have labeled these protests as “riots” and accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the unrest.
Amid mounting tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi voiced concerns on Sunday about potential “miscalculations” but expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to make rational decisions in such a volatile climate. Araghchi noted that Iran has lost faith in the US as a trustworthy negotiating partner but acknowledged ongoing efforts by regional players acting as intermediaries to rebuild that trust.
Addressing the possibility of future discussions, Araghchi suggested that negotiations could resume if the United States adhered to Trump’s own call for a balanced agreement. He expressed this sentiment during an interview with CNN, saying, “So I see the possibility of another talk if the US negotiation team follows what President Trump said: to come to a fair and equitable deal to ensure that there are no nuclear weapons.”
