Jakarta – Rising tensions in the Middle East are onc again at the forefront as Iran’s Supreme Leader issued a stark warning to the United States regarding potential conflict. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei‘s statement, delivered February 2, 2026, comes as diplomatic efforts continue regarding Iran’s nuclear program and amidst ongoing scrutiny of its internal political situation following recent protests.The situation is further complicated by a U.S. military presence in the region and shifting signals from former President Trump about ongoing negotiations, raising concerns about possible escalation.
Jakarta –
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the United States that any attack on Iran could escalate into a wider regional conflict.
“America should know that if they start a war, it could become a regional war this time,” Khamenei said, according to reports from BBC on Monday, February 2, 2026. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program and its response to domestic protests.
Former President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran is engaged in “serious” talks, expressing hope for a mutually “acceptable” outcome. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that he believes a deal regarding Tehran’s nuclear program is achievable.
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Trump has previously threatened to intervene in Iran concerning its nuclear ambitions and its crackdown on anti-government demonstrations. This development underscores the potential for direct U.S. involvement in the region’s affairs.
Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official, had indicated earlier that negotiations were progressing. The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, with U.S. Central Command confirming its operation in the Arabian Sea over the weekend.
“Trump often says that he sends ships… The Iranian nation is not afraid of these things,” Khamenei added.
Iran had been expected to begin two days of live-fire naval exercises on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping and energy supplies. However, a report from Reuters on Sunday cited an Iranian official stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) had no plans to conduct such drills.
Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in the event of an attack. The U.S. has, in turn, warned Iran against engaging in “unsafe and unprofessional” behavior near its forces in the region.
“The American military is now trying to dictate how our powerful armed forces should conduct shooting exercises in their own territory,” Araghchi stated. The exchange highlights the escalating rhetoric between the two nations and the potential for miscalculation.
(dwr/dwr)
