US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s prediction of a regional war could come true if Tehran fails to reach a deal with Washington.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump underscored the US military build-up in the Middle East, noting that some of the world’s largest and most powerful naval vessels had been deployed in the region.
“We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close. Hopefully, in a couple of days, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” Trump said.
MOMENTS AGO: President Trump responds after Iran's supreme leader warned of a regional war if the U.S. attacks Tehran.
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"If we don't make a deal, then we'll find out whether or not he was right." pic.twitter.com/wDb3ABLuLP
Despite the strong rhetoric, the US President said he preferred a diplomatic resolution, even as tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent weeks amid Iran’s crackdown on widespread anti-government protests.
Trump’s remarks came in response to Khamenei’s warning that any US military action against Iran would trigger a regional conflict.
“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” the Iranian Supreme Leader said in a post.
He dismissed US threats of military action, saying such statements were nothing new. “That Americans sometimes talk about war—saying we will come with warships and aircraft—is nothing new. The Iranian nation is not affected by such talk. They should not try to intimidate the Iranian nation,” he added.
Khamenei also accused Washington of seeking to dominate Iran because of its strategic location and resources, while asserting that Tehran would respond decisively to any aggression.
“We are not the initiators of war. We do not seek to oppress anyone or attack any country. However, anyone who seeks to attack or cause harm will face a decisive blow from the Iranian nation,” he said in another post.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump reiterated the US military posture while speaking aboard Air Force One, saying powerful naval assets had been positioned near Iran but expressing hope that negotiations would yield an acceptable outcome.
“We do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know. But I hope they negotiate something that’s acceptable,” he said.
