US President Donald Trump voiced optimism on Sunday about reaching a deal with Iran, following the nation’s Supreme Leader’s remarks that any American military action would spark a broader regional war, according to Al Arabiya.
When asked about Ali Khamenei’s warning, Trump told reporters: “Of course he is going to say that.”
The relations between Iran and Washington have seen sharp escalation after Iran’s violent suppression of anti-government protests earlier in January.
On Thursday, Reuters announced that the US Navy has deployed another warship to the Middle East, increasing Washington’s military presence in the region.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized on Thursday that the USS Delbert D. Black entered the Middle East within the past 48 hours.
Therefore, the number of American destroyers in the region grew to six, alongside an aircraft carrier and three littoral combat ships.
“Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” Trump added.
In January, Khamenei charged Trump with bearing responsibility for the “casualties” that accompanied a wave of protests across the Islamic Republic, according to AFP.
The Supreme Leaders noted that “this was an American conspiracy,” adding that “America’s goal is to swallow Iran… the goal is to put Iran back under military, political, and economic domination.”
Washington also announced sanctions against Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of driving a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrations while laundering billions in oil revenues.
Related Topics:
Qatari PM Visits Iran Amid Mounting Tensions in Region
US Targets Iranian Officials, Businessman in New Sanctions
US CENTCOM Warns Iran over Unsafe Actions in Hormuz
