Iran warned that a regional conflict could erupt if the United States launched a military attack, sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. In a retaliatory move, Iran also announced plans to designate European Union military forces as “terrorist groups.”
The warning followed an increase in the U.S. naval presence in the Middle East. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened action against Iran, citing stalled nuclear negotiations and the deadly crackdown on domestic protests.
Despite the standoff, both sides have signalled openness to renewed talks. Regional allies, including Turkey, have urged restraint and called for de-escalation.
An Iranian official dismissed earlier claims by state-run Press TV that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards would conduct live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Reuters, the official said no such exercises were planned and described the reports as inaccurate.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the nation would not be intimidated by U.S. military deployments. He stressed that Iran does not seek conflict but would respond forcefully to any attack or harassment.
“If U.S. starts war, it’ll be a regional war” — Khamenei
Iran warns of quick retaliation as Trump revives attack threats@eriknjoka brings you more details pic.twitter.com/hDEwQwpnCE
— WION (@WIONews) February 1, 2026“We are not the initiators of war,” Khamenei said, according to state media. “But the Iranian nation will strike back strongly against anyone who threatens it.”
The U.S. Navy currently maintains six destroyers, one aircraft carrier, and three littoral combat ships in the region. The buildup has heightened fears of a broader conflict following Iran’s January crackdown on nationwide protests.
According to Reuters, President Trump has reviewed options that include targeted strikes against Iranian security forces. The report cited multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
On Saturday, Trump told reporters that Iran was “seriously talking” with Washington. His remarks came shortly after Iran’s senior security official Ali Larijani said on X that preparations for negotiations were underway.
“I hope they negotiate something acceptable,” Trump said. “A deal without nuclear weapons would be satisfactory.”
Breaking: 🇱🇷🇮🇷 Iran has warned of unprecedented retaliation if the US attacks.
There is a war situation.
Tensions have now reached a new level. pic.twitter.com/CsEOqn0ieW
— Jaan (@JaanCryptoX) January 31, 2026Tehran maintains that it is open to “fair” negotiations but rejects any effort to limit its defensive capabilities.
The protests, which began over economic hardship, evolved into the most serious political challenge to the Islamic Republic since 1979. While demonstrations have largely subsided, rights groups continue to dispute official casualty figures.
Iranian authorities report 3,117 protest-related deaths. However, U.S.-based rights group HRANA says it has verified at least 6,713 fatalities. Reuters has not independently confirmed the figures.
In a symbolic response to the crackdown, the European Union last week designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
Read: Oil Prices Drop 4% as US–Iran Tensions Ease
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced retaliatory measures on Sunday. He said EU military forces would also be labelled as terrorist groups and warned that Iran may expel European military attachés.
“By targeting the Revolutionary Guards, Europe has harmed its own interests,” Qalibaf told lawmakers, many of whom wore IRGC uniforms in a show of solidarity. Lawmakers later chanted anti-U.S. and anti-Europe slogans inside parliament.
