Khamenei is Not Scared of Trump's Big Armada

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern warning to the United States amid escalating tensions and the deployment of a U.S. naval "armada" to the Middle East. Responding to recent rhetoric from Washington, Khamenei cautioned that any military intervention would not remain localized.

"The Americans must know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war," Khamenei stated. While emphasizing that Iran does not seek to initiate conflict or attack any nation, he warned that "the Iranian people will deliver a strong blow to anyone who attacks and harms them."

Khamenei specifically addressed recent statements by President Donald Trump regarding the presence of U.S. warships and aircraft in the region. He characterized these maneuvers as a repetition of old tactics.

"Sometimes they talk about war, about planes and ships, this is nothing new," Khamenei said. "In the past, the Americans also threatened many times, saying that 'all options are on the table,' including the possibility of war."

Referring to President Trump’s frequent mentions of a "massive armada" heading toward Iranian shores, the Supreme Leader insisted that such moves would fail to intimidate the Islamic Republic. "This man [Trump] repeatedly claims they brought a ship; the Iranian people should not be frightened by these things. They will not be affected by such threats."

The Supreme Leader’s defiant stance comes even as reports suggest that structural arrangements for negotiations may be emerging behind the scenes. However, Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have maintained that diplomacy cannot occur "under the shadow of threats."

The current tensions follow a U.S. military buildup intended to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program and its domestic response to recent nationwide protests. While Trump has expressed optimism that a deal can be reached to avoid military action, Khamenei’s latest remarks signal that Iran is prepared for a significant escalation should the standoff turn into a direct confrontation.