Khamenei urges unity, warns any US confrontation with Iran

Last updated Feb 9, 2026 5:28 PM

TEHRAN, Feb. 09 (YPA) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday urged Iranians to remain steadfast and demonstrate national unity as the country marks the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

This came amid heightened tensions with the United States and the resumption of indirect nuclear talks in Muscat.

In a televised address, Khamenei said that Iran’s strength lies not only in its military capabilities, but in the will and resilience of its people, calling on the nation to confront external pressure and thwart what he described as hostile plans.

He stressed that U.S. threats of war were not new, reiterating that Iran did not initiate conflicts, while warning that any future confrontation would escalate into a regional war.

Khamenei said foreign powers have sought since 1979 to reverse the gains of the Islamic Revolution and restore the pre-revolutionary order under the Pahlavi dynasty, arguing that the revolution decisively ended that era and prevented its return.

Breaking with annual tradition, the symbolic meeting between Khamenei and Air Force commanders was not held this year ahead of the anniversary.

The remarks came days after Tehran and Washington launched a new round of indirect talks in Oman on Friday, following months of suspension and against a backdrop of growing political and military tensions.

In his first speech since the talks resumed, Khamenei said the core of Iran’s dispute with the United States had remained unchanged for 47 years, accusing Washington of seeking to dominate Iran and bring it back under its influence.

He reaffirmed that the Iranian people rejected such domination from the outset and would not allow it to return, warning that any attack on Iran would be met with a strong response and would not remain confined, but would spread across the region.

On the domestic front, Khamenei called for broad public participation in nationwide celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, scheduled for Wednesday.