Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday delivered a stark message, warning that if the United States launched a military strike against Iranian territory, it would explode into a broader regional war. The warning came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to Iranian state media, Khamenei said the U.S. “should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.” 
Khamenei: “Iran stands firm and will remain steadfast, and by God’s will will make [the United States] despair of its schemes and harm. Americans were present in Iran for more than thirty years—resources, oil, politics, and security were all in their hands. After their hands were cut off, they now want to return, but the Iranian people stand firm and prevent that.”
The warning came against the backdrop of the US deploying significant naval forces — including an aircraft carrier strike group — to the Persian Gulf region and rising concern over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. 
Responding to Khamenei’s comments, US President Donald Trump struck a dual-toned message:
He said: “Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll find out whether or not he was right.” 
Earlier, Trump had said that had agreed to hold negotiations.
There were also reports of diplomatic contacts between the two countries. The United States has been insisting on zero nuclear weapons for Iran.
For its part, Iran has shown willingness to hold talks but says it would not succumb to military pressure.
It remains to see as what Washington plans in case Tehran refuses to give in on its nuclear program. Iran has shown its readiness to hold dialogue on the issue but insists it would not compromise on its peaceful nuclear energy generation.