Khamenei warns US of ‘regional war’ if Iran is attacked

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Maziar MotamediFebruary 1, 2026 at 01:17 PM

AI Summary

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In Tehran on February 1, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned the United States that any attack on Iran would trigger a regional war. Speaking at an event marking the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini's return, Khamenei accused the US of seeking to seize Iran's oil and natural gas resources. He also characterized recent anti-government protests as a suppressed coup attempt aimed at destabilizing the country by attacking government and religious institutions. The protests, which began in late December, were sparked by economic decline, corruption, and the collapse of the Iranian currency due to US sanctions. Khamenei's statement comes as the US has been increasing its military presence in the Middle East.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

European Union ×230% Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi 30% France 30% Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini 40% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 40% Middle East 50% Donald Trump ×260% Tehran ×270% United States ×680% Ali Khamenei ×390% Iran ×10100%

Keywords

regional war 100% iran 90% united states 80% attack 70% anti-government protests 60% oil and natural gas resources 60% sanctions 50% economic decline 50% sedition 40%