Trump Signals Diplomatic Optimism as Khamenei Issues Stark Regional War Warning
In a notable shift of tone, US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed hope for reaching a negotiated agreement with Iran, even as the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a grave warning that any American military action could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Presidential Remarks on Air Force One Flight
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight to Florida on Saturday night, President Trump addressed the escalating tensions. When questioned about his "final decision" regarding Iran, he declined to provide specifics but revealed that "very big, powerful ships" were heading toward the region.
"I certainly can't tell you that," Trump stated regarding his ultimate decision. "But we do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know. I can't tell you, you know. But I hope they negotiate something that's acceptable."
Khamenei's Forceful Response to American Threats
The American president's comments came in direct response to remarks from Iran's Supreme Leader, who had earlier warned through state media that any US-initiated conflict would not remain contained.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared: "America should know that if it starts a war, this time it will be a regional war. These threats are nothing new. In the past as well, American officials repeatedly talked about war and said that all options were on the table including war."
The 86-year-old leader, who has consistently ruled out direct talks with the United States, emphasized Iran's defensive posture while issuing a stark warning about potential consequences.
Trump's Assessment of Negotiation Prospects
When pressed about whether Tehran might interpret American diplomatic overtures as weakness, President Trump offered a nuanced perspective.
"Well, some people think that and some people don't," he responded. "And if you could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons they should do that. But I don't know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us."
Iranian Military Leadership Responds with Defiance
Iran's regular army commander-in-chief, General Amir Hatami, struck a characteristically defiant tone in response to American military movements in the region.
General Hatami stated: "Thanks Allah today we are at a high level of military and defensive readiness. We are closely watching enemies' movement in the region. They are under complete surveillance by us. And since we are aware of their evil intentions, our fingers are on the trigger."
The military leader warned that any American "mistake" would endanger security across multiple fronts, including what he described as "the security of the criminal Zionist regime."
Parliamentary Mood and European Designations
In Tehran's parliament, the atmosphere remained combative, with the assembly's speaker declaring that European Union military forces were now considered terrorist groups by the Islamic republic. This pronouncement followed the EU's recent designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist faction in response to its violent crackdown on protesters.
Contrasting Voices Within Iranian Leadership
While Supreme Leader Khamenei maintained his hardline position, other Iranian officials struck more conciliatory notes. Ali Larijani, a prominent security official, posted on social media platform X that "structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing," suggesting potential diplomatic channels remained open despite public rhetoric.
Regional Tensions Amid Security Incidents
The exchange of warnings occurred against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and security incidents. On Saturday, Iran experienced two separate explosions—one at the southern port of Bandar Abbas that killed a four-year-old girl and injured fourteen others, and another in Ahvaz approximately 1,000 kilometers away that claimed five lives according to state media reports.
Iranian authorities have denied that these incidents targeted military leadership, but they contribute to an atmosphere of instability as diplomatic and military posturing continues between Washington and Tehran.
