Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei warned the US on Sunday against initiating a war, stressing that such war will inevitably expand into a regional conflict.
“Americans should understand that any war they initiate will inevitably expand into a regional conflict,” Imam Khamenei said, addressing a large gathering of people at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya in Tehran, on the occasion of the launch of celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Meeting with thousands of people on the beginning of the Fajr Decade
— Khamenei Media (@Khamenei_m) February 1, 2026
Imam Khamenei met with thousands of people from various walks of life on the occasion of the beginning of the celebrations of the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. pic.twitter.com/zUbkxzsZcg
His eminence affirmed that threats and displays of military power will not intimidate the Iranian nation.
“Sometimes they talk about war and speak of aircraft and warships; this is not a new thing,” he said, recalling that US officials had repeatedly threatened Iran in the past by claiming that “all options are on the table, including the option of war.”
Referring to US President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran, Imam Khamenei said, “The Iranian nation should not be frightened by these things; the people of Iran are undeterred by such threats.”
In this context, the Leader emphasized that Iran would not be the initiator of any war, but warned of a firm response to aggression.
“We are not the ones who start [a war], and we do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian nation will deliver a hard punch to anyone who attacks and harasses it,” he said.
We are not the initiators of war. We do not seek to oppress anyone. We do not seek to attack any country. However, anyone who seeks to attack or cause harm will face a decisive blow from the Iranian nation.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) February 1, 2026
“Riots Similar to Coup”
Meanwhile, Imam Khamenei described the recent riots across Iran as “similar to a coup,” saying the plot aimed at destroying sensitive and effective centers involved in running the country.
He said attackers targeted police stations, government centers, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) facilities, banks, and mosques, and even set the Holy Quran on fire, noting that the attempt had ultimately been thwarted.
The Leader also said the Iranian people had reduced the flames of the recent US-Zionist sedition to ashes, just as they had defeated previous conspiracies, adding that the Iranian nation will decisively confront any future challenges as well.
Source: Al-Manar English Website and Iranian media