Khamenei warns of regional war if Iran attacks

Kathmandu. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to the United States that if Iran is attacked, it will lead to a “regional war”. Khamenei, 86, made the warning at an event in Tehran at a time when US President Donald Trump is increasing his military presence in the Middle East.

Addressing a gathering to commemorate the historic day of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return from exile in 1979, Khamenei accused the United States of trying to seize Iran’s oil and natural gas resources.TAG_OPEN_p_9 He has called the recent anti-government protests in Iran a “coup attempt” and “sedition”. He said the protesters were trying to destabilise the country by attacking banks, mosques and government offices.

In response, Trump said, “We hope to make a deal with Iran.”TAG_OPEN_p_8 If a deal is not reached, it will be known later how accurate Khamenei’s warning was. ”

Thousands of people have been killed in anti-government protests in Iran that began on December 28, according to the United Nations and human rights groups.TAG_OPEN_p_7 Some reports estimate the death toll could exceed 20,000, while other rights groups say the death toll is more than 6,700.

Iranian officials have blamed “terrorists” funded by the United States and Israel for the attacks.TAG_OPEN_p_6 Iranian media have reported 3,117 deaths so far. President Massoud Pejeskian has promised to release the exact casualties, but no specific timetable is yet available.

Ordinary Iranians expressed disbelief in the government’s claims and said the country was in mourning.