Trump hopeful about Iran deal after Tehran warns of regional war

US President Donald Trump has said he remains hopeful about reaching a deal with Iran, despite a strong warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei recently warned that any US military attack on Iran would lead to a regional war.

Trump Responds to Khamenei’s Warning

When asked about the Iranian leader’s remarks, President Trump downplayed the warning.

“Of course he is going to say that,” Trump told reporters. He added that he still hopes diplomacy will succeed.

“Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” he said.

US Military Moves Raise Tensions

Tensions between the two countries have increased in recent weeks.

Following Iran’s response to anti-government protests that peaked last month, President Trump threatened possible military action.

He also ordered the deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as a show of force.

Khamenei Calls Protests a Coup Attempt

Speaking on Sunday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the recent protests in Iran as a “coup”.

He accused demonstrators of attacking police stations, government buildings, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, banks, and mosques.

He also claimed copies of the Quran were burned during the unrest. Khamenei said the alleged coup attempt had been “suppressed.”

He warned that if the United States starts a war, it would not remain limited.

“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” he said. He urged Iranians not to fear US threats.

Protests Began Over Economic Issues

The protests initially began over high living costs and economic hardship.

They later turned into a wider anti-government movement. Iranian officials have described the demonstrations as riots backed by the United States and Israel.

Iran Signals Cautious Openness to Talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that he is concerned about possible miscalculations as tensions rise.

However, he said he believes President Trump is “wise enough” to make the right decision.

Araghchi said Iran has lost trust in the US as a negotiating partner. He added that some regional countries are acting as intermediaries to help rebuild confidence.

Conditions for Future Negotiations

In an interview with CNN, Araghchi said talks could still be possible.

He said negotiations could resume if the US team follows President Trump’s stated goal of reaching a fair and balanced agreement.

Such a deal, he added, must ensure that Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons.