The American President Donald Trump expressed his hope for reaching an agreement with Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on the Islamic Republic would lead to the outbreak of a regional war.
Trump has been threatening military action against Tehran for weeks in the wake of the bloody crackdown on protests that has resulted in thousands of deaths. Washington has reinforced its forces in the Middle East, sending the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" to the region.
The reinforcements have raised concerns among regional countries about the outbreak of a war that would exacerbate the situation in the region, and a number of them have been working on mediation between Washington and Tehran.
In a high-pitched warning, Khamenei said, "The Americans must realize that if they start a war, it will be a regional war."
Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989 and has the final say in top policies, added, "We are not the ones who start wars... and we do not seek to aggress against any country. However, in the face of anyone who dares to launch an attack or inflict harm, the Iranian people will deliver a crushing blow to him."
Responding to a question from journalists about Khamenei's warning, Trump said yesterday, Sunday, "Of course he will say that." He added, "We hope to reach an agreement. If we don't reach an agreement, we will then find out whether he is right or not."
