US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran, even as tensions escalate following stark warnings from Tehran that any American military action could ignite a regional war. The remarks came after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that an attack on the Islamic Republic would have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged Khamenei’s warning but remained hopeful about diplomacy. He said he believed a deal was still possible, adding that if negotiations fail, the outcome would determine whether Iran’s fears were justified. His comments come at a time when Washington has increased military presence in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier group, following Iran’s violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the protests as a coup attempt, claiming that demonstrators attacked security forces, public institutions, religious sites, and banks. He warned that the United States should understand that starting a conflict would no longer be limited in scope, stressing that Iranians should not be intimidated by American threats.
Despite the heated rhetoric, there were signs of cautious de-escalation. Iranian authorities released 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani on bail after Washington warned that any execution of demonstrators would provoke a strong response. Iranian officials insisted Soltani had never been sentenced to death and that his charges did not carry capital punishment.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was concerned about possible miscalculations, but suggested Trump was wise enough to choose dialogue over confrontation. He noted that Iran’s trust in the United States as a negotiating partner has been damaged, though regional intermediaries are attempting to rebuild confidence. He added that talks could resume if the US pursued a fair and equitable agreement focused on preventing nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, tensions have also spilled into Europe. Following reports of thousands killed during the unrest, the European Union designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iranian lawmakers retaliated by applying the same label to European armies, further straining relations.
As uncertainty continues, Trump confirmed that back-channel dialogue is underway, though he maintained that all options remain on the table. The situation highlights a fragile balance between threats and diplomacy, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
