Iran's supreme leader warns a U.S. attack could spark regional war

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said a U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a "regional war," comments made as a U.S. aircraft carrier group operates nearby; Iran has announced live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's supreme leader issued a warning that a U.S. attack on the country would lead to a regional war. The remarks were reported from his compound in Tehran and came after a U.S. aircraft carrier group moved into international waters near Iran. Tensions follow nationwide protests in Iran that have drawn international attention. Key facts: - Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would not initiate attacks but would respond if attacked, and described a U.S. strike as likely to spark a regional war. - A U.S. carrier group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, is operating in international waters near Iran; President Trump has discussed possible military responses but has not announced a decision. - Iran announced live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz for Sunday and Monday, and U.S. Central Command warned against threatening U.S. ships or disrupting commercial traffic. Summary: The statements from Iran's supreme leader and the nearby deployment of a U.S. carrier group have increased regional tensions. Iran's scheduled naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz are the next public, planned step. The U.S. decision on military action was not announced and remains undetermined at this time.