Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Sunday that recent nationwide protests represent a “coup attempt” against the Islamic Republic and cautioned that any U.S. military strike could spark a “regional war,” heightening tensions between Tehran and Washington. Khamenei’s remarks—aired on state television during ceremonies marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution—came amid a U.S. naval buildup in the Middle East and mounting international concern over Iran’s violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Describing the demonstrations as akin to a coup that has been “suppressed,” Khamenei alleged that protesters targeted police, government centers, IRGC facilities, banks, and mosques—claims disputed by rights groups and foreign governments, which say Iran’s security forces have killed thousands of unarmed civilians.

Khamenei also asserted that while Iran does not seek to initiate conflict, any American attack would not remain confined to one border but would escalate into a broader regional conflict engulfing the Middle East.