Iran Warned of Regional War in Response to US Military Intervention, Disclosures Show

Tehran. It has been revealed that Iran had previously warned that US military intervention would lead to a widespread regional war. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued this warning on February 1, during a speech marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution. He stated, ‘America must understand that if it starts a war, this time it will be a regional war.’

Iran has previously issued stern warnings regarding the passage of ships and energy supply in the Strait of Hormuz. Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently stated via social media that ships wishing to cross the Strait of Hormuz must obtain permission from Iran. He also claimed that some ships that did not heed the warning had been seized.

Since February 28, Iran has been repeatedly attacking various countries in the Middle East where the US military is present, including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, and Kuwait. Furthermore, Oman and Saudi Arabia, considered close to the US, have also been targeted. This has further escalated tensions in West Asia.

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he did not expect Iran to attack other countries in the Gulf region. He said, ‘No one expected Iran to react like this.’ Trump appears surprised by Iran's move. According to Trump, the US did not anticipate Iran targeting other countries in the last two weeks. He also acknowledged that Iran possesses significant military capability.