‘We’ll make a deal or see what happens’: Trump tests Iran after ‘regional war’ warning

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on November 07, 2024 shows Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) speaks after casting his ballot during the runoff presidential election in Tehran on July 5, 2024, and US President Donald Trump (R)

President Trump expressed hope for a deal with Iran amid a US military buildup near the region, stressing preference for talks. Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei warned any US attack would trigger a regional war and vowed strong resistance against US pressure.

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US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he remained hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran, even as the United States moved major naval assets closer to the region and warned that the outcome would soon become clear if diplomacy failed.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump pointed to the visible US military buildup while stressing that his preference was still for talks. “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 travelling aboard Air Force One, Trump had made similar remarks, underscoring that US forces were moving closer to Iran but that negotiations remained his priority. “We do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know. But I hope they negotiate something that’s acceptable,” he said.

At the White House later, Trump suggested that Tehran appeared open to engagement. “They do want to make a deal,” he said, adding that a deadline had been set for Iran to begin discussions on nuclear weapons, though he did not specify when. “Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Trump’s comments came as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued stark warnings against any US military action. In videos widely circulated on X, Khamenei cautioned that an attack would trigger a wider conflict. “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” 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

Khamenei dismissed Washington’s military signalling, saying, “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.”

While insisting that Iran was not seeking confrontation, Khamenei warned of a strong response if attacked. “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.

He framed the standoff as an existential struggle, adding, “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 resources and strategic position. “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,” he said.

“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 added.

Khamenei concluded by asserting that Iran would continue to resist 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,” he said.