Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, February 1, 2026, warned that any U.S. strike on the country could escalate into a regional conflict, even as diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington continue and regional efforts aim to de-escalate tensions.
Addressing a gathering at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Hussainiya, Khamenei said, “The Americans should know that if they initiate a war, it will turn into a regional conflict. We are not the initiators of war, nor do we intend to oppress or attack anyone. But anyone who tries to harm Iran will face a decisive response from our nation.”
The warning came amid heightened U.S. military activity in West Asian waters, including the deployment of warships, fighter jets, and an aircraft carrier, as President Donald Trump stated last week that “time is running out for Iran” to agree on its nuclear program and threatened that U.S. forces were “ready to use violence” if necessary.
Khamenei appeared to downplay these threats, saying, “It is not new for Americans to speak of warships and aircraft. Such statements do not intimidate the Iranian nation.”
While tensions remain high, Iran has signaled openness to diplomacy. Earlier on Sunday, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that negotiations between Iran and the U.S. were progressing. Larijani emphasized that despite media hype about potential conflict, the structural framework for talks is moving forward.
Also read: Balochistan Attacks: Gen Z Female Suicide Bombers Target Pak ISI Camps
President Trump also acknowledged ongoing dialogue, stating, “They are talking to us. Seriously talking to us.”
Regional nations, including Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, are actively pushing for a peaceful resolution. Turkey has ruled out supporting military action against Iran, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied U.S. requests to use their airspace for a potential strike. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Larijani in Tehran on January 31 to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional security and stability.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Turkey to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on January 29, reiterated Iran’s commitment to a fair nuclear agreement. He stressed that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and is ready for a deal that protects the interests of its people, ensures no nuclear armament, and guarantees the lifting of sanctions. Araghchi also emphasized Iran’s willingness to collaborate with regional countries to safeguard peace and stability against unlawful aggression.