Tehran| WTNS | Jan 26,2026: On the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed thousands at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah, issuing a stark warning to the United States and Israel.
The Leader criticized decades-long US hostility toward Iran, saying, “The US wants to devour Iran, but the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic stand in its way.
The ‘offense’ of our nation is telling them, ‘You are mistaken if you think you can devour my country.’”
Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted Iran’s strategic resources, including oil, gas, and rich mineral reserves, as the main motivation behind US aggression, dismissing claims of human rights concerns as “empty talk.” He emphasized Iran’s resilience:
“We are not the initiators of war… but anyone who seeks to attack or cause harm will face a decisive blow from the Iranian nation.”
On potential conflict escalation, the Supreme Leader warned: “The Americans should also know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”
Addressing recent unrest in the country, Khamenei blamed foreign influence and described rioters as organized by external powers.
He said, “The ringleaders confessed that they were paid and trained to attack centers and mobilize youths. Some participants were impulsive youths; we do not have significant problems with them.”
He criticized statements by the US President, asserting they encouraged the rioters while ignoring the millions who rallied peacefully across Iran. The Supreme Leader described the violence as ISIS-like, noting the rioters engaged in extreme brutality, including killings and arson.
Imam Khamenei also reflected on the legacy of the 1979 revolution, praising Imam Khomeini (ra) for transforming Iran from an autocratic monarchy into an Islamic Republic, emphasizing people’s authority and self-reliance. He added that the country’s recent technological and military achievements, including drone development, are a testament to the nation’s confidence and resilience.
Earlier, on January 31, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US, Israel, and European powers of provoking recent protests. He stated: “They incited people to tear this country apart, create division, and spread hatred. Normal protests do not involve guns, killing, or arson; we are ready to listen and resolve genuine concerns.”
Following Khamenei’s speech, Trump said he hoped that Iran would agree to a deal.
Asked about the supreme leader’s warning, Trump told reporters: “Of course he is going to say that.
“Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN Sunday that he was “confident that we can achieve a deal” with the United States on Tehran’s nuclear program.
“Unfortunately, we have lost our trust (in) the US as a negotiating partner,” he said, but the exchange of messages through friendly countries in the region was facilitating “fruitful” talks with the US.
Refusing to promise that Iran would engage in direct talks with US negotiators, Araghchi highlighted the need to address the “substance of negotiations” rather than the form.
