Iran’s Khamenei cautions Trump, says war inevitable if provoked
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating. A series of threats is being exchanged between the two countries. On one hand, US President Donald Trump says that he is prepared to deal with Iran in every way, but prefers to resolve the issue through dialogue. On the other hand, Iran is also repeatedly stating that if the US attacks it, it will respond with a strong response.
Amidst all this, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US on Sunday that this time the war will not end easily. If the US attacks, a regional war will break out. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a warning to the US. He said that America should know that if you start a war, be prepared for it to become a regional war.
Khamenei said that if the US starts a war, this time it will be a regional one. He further said, "We are not provocateurs and we do not want to attack any country. However, Iran will deal a severe blow to any person or country that attacks or harasses it." The Iranian Supreme Leader's statement comes after the US President claimed that India will no longer buy oil from Iran, but from Venezuela. However, there has been no immediate response from India to Trump's statement.
According to information shared by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Qaeda held talks with Iran on Saturday to try to reduce tensions in the region. The statement said that in a meeting with Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, he reiterated Qatar's support for all efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
A day earlier, at a national event in Tehran, Army Chief Amir Hatami stressed the Iranian military's readiness amid rising tensions with the US. He said, "Today, the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is in full defensive and military readiness and is closely monitoring the enemy's movements in the region. Our finger is on the trigger."
He further stated that if the enemy makes a mistake, it will undoubtedly endanger its own security, that of Israel and the region. He also welcomed the declaration by neighboring countries that they will not allow their territory or airspace to be used against Iran. These countries understand that any insecurity against Iran will make the entire region insecure.
Hatami stressed that if the other side is willing to resolve the issue, it must treat the Iranian nation with respect. This warning from the Iranian leader comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.