Tehran: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned that any war initiated by the United States against Iran would escalate into a regional conflict.

Speaking to a large gathering at Imam Khomeini Hussainiya on Saturday, Ayatollah Khamenei said US threats and military posturing were nothing new and stressed that Iran would not be intimidated.

'We are not the ones who start wars, and we do not intend to attack any country,' he said, 'but the Iranian nation will deliver a firm response to any aggressor.'

The Leader also addressed the recent unrest in Iran, describing it as akin to a coup, aimed at destroying sensitive centers of governance, including police stations, government offices, IRGC facilities, banks, and mosques. He condemned the burning of the Holy Quran, noting that the plots had ultimately failed, and praised the Iranian people for confronting the sedition.

Ayatollah Khamenei attributed US and Zionist involvement in the unrest, pointing out that the US president had encouraged rioters while ignoring the mass nationwide support for the government on January 12.

Highlighting Iran's progress, he said the nation had advanced in fields where even the Americans now replicated Iranian-made weapons-a testament to the vision of Imam Khomeini, who inspired self-confidence and perseverance.

He warned that hostility from the US would continue due to Iran's independence and strategic resources, dismissing claims of human rights concerns as 'nonsense.' He also criticized attempts by enemies to inflate casualty figures during the unrest.

Concluding, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized: 'America wants to devour Iran, but the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic stand in the way,' underlining Tehran's readiness to confront any external threats.