Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to the United States on February 1, 2026, stating that any military aggression would spark conflict across the Middle East. The declaration came during commemorations of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Tehran, where thousands gathered to mark the anniversary.
"If anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them," Khamenei asserted, emphasizing Iran's defensive posture while accusing Washington of seeking control over the country's oil and natural resources. He specifically referenced recent U.S. military deployments, including an aircraft carrier group to the region, as escalating tensions.
The 86-year-old leader framed the warning as a response to what he described as historical U.S. interference: "They wanted to seize this country, just as they controlled it before." Analysts suggest the rhetoric reflects growing regional anxieties amid renewed diplomatic strains over Iran's nuclear program and energy exports.
Khamenei's statement comes as global energy markets remain sensitive to Middle Eastern stability, with Brent crude futures showing increased volatility this week. Business leaders and policymakers worldwide are closely monitoring the situation, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for international oil shipments.
