Trump responds to Khamenei's warning, says US wants a deal with Iran

2026-02-01 - 22:05

US President Donald Trump has publicly responded to a warning from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that an American attack would trigger a regional war. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday, Trump dismissed the threat as predictable, saying, "Why wouldn’t he say that? Of course, he is going to say that," while simultaneously holding out the prospect of a diplomatic agreement. Mixed Signals: Hope for a Deal Amid Military Posturing President Trump reiterated the formidable US military presence in the region, noting, "We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close." Despite this show of force, he added, "Hopefully, we’ll make a deal." However, he concluded with a stark caveat, implying the threat would be tested if diplomacy fails: "then we'll find out whether or not he was right." Context of Escalating Rhetoric and Regional Tensions The exchange underscores the dangerously volatile standoff between Washington and Tehran, marked by public threats and counter-threats. Trump's comments follow his earlier statements about a "massive armada" moving toward Iran and his demands for Tehran to negotiate. Iranian officials have consistently vowed a severe and comprehensive response to any military action. Regional Implications and the Stakes for Neighbors This public brinkmanship raises the risk of miscalculation and a broader Middle Eastern conflict. For neighboring countries like Türkiye, which borders Iran and prioritizes regional stability, the escalating rhetoric between the US and Iran is a major security concern. Ankara has repeatedly called for dialogue and de-escalation, warning that a war would have catastrophic humanitarian and economic consequences for the entire region.