US President Donald Trump said he was hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran even as Washington deployed major naval assets close to the country, warning that the outcome would become clear if diplomacy
failed.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump highlighted the US military presence in the region while signalling a preference for negotiations.
“We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close, and in a couple of days, 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 said.
MOMENTS AGO: President Trump responds after Iran’s supreme leader warned of a regional war if the U.S. attacks Tehran.
“If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right.” pic.twitter.com/wDb3ABLuLP
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 1, 2026
Earlier, while aboard Air Force One, Trump had also stressed that American forces were moving closer to Iran but that he wanted talks to succeed.
“We do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know. But I hope they negotiate something that’s acceptable,” he remarked.
At the White House, he added that Tehran appeared willing to engage, saying, “They do want to make a deal,” and noting that a deadline had been set for Iran to begin discussions on nuclear weapons, though he did not specify a timeframe.
“Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens,” he added.
Trump’s comments followed a series of sharp warnings from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who cautioned that any US military action would spark a wider regional conflict.
In videos widely being circulated on X, Khamenei could be heard saying, “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”
He dismissed Washington’s military signalling, adding, “That Americans sometimes talk about war, saying we will come with warships and aircraft, is nothing new. The Iranian nation is not affected by such talk. They shouldn’t try to intimidate the Iranian nation with such things.”
Insisting that Tehran was not seeking confrontation, Khamenei warned of a forceful response to any attack.
“We are not the initiators of war. We do not seek to oppress anyone. We do not seek to attack any country. However, anyone who seeks to attack or cause harm will face a decisive blow from the Iranian nation,” he said.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the United States that if it launches action, they will start a regional war
The comments are the most direct threat he’s made so far. pic.twitter.com/B5TGbfzYE5
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 1, 2026
Casting the dispute in stark terms, he added, “What is the issue between the United States and Iran? The issue can be summed up in two words, the United States wants to devour Iran, the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic prevent this.”
Khamenei also accused Washington of coveting Iran’s natural resources and strategic position, arguing that the US was attempting to restore influence it once held.
“Iran possesses numerous attractions, its oil, gas, rich minerals, and geographic location are attractive. The US wants to seize control of this country just as it controlled it before.”
“For more than 30 years, the Americans were present in Iran. Iran’s resources, oil, politics, and security were in their hands. Everything was in their hands. Now that their grip has been broken, they’re trying to find a way back. The Iranian nation stands firm, preventing it,” he said.
He further asserted that Iran would continue resisting US pressure.
“Iran stands firm and will continue to stand firm, and, God willing, will put an end to the United States’ mischief and harassment,” Khamenei added.
