US Warns Iran Over 'Dangerous Red Line' After Khamenei Killing

US Warns Iran Over 'Dangerous Red Line' After Khamenei Killing

Iran has warned the United States that killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei constitutes a dangerous red line crossed by Washington. Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate following the strikes that led to Khamenei's death, described as both a political and religious leader for millions of Shiite Muslims.

Speaking to CNN, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that US President Donald Trump's authorization of the strike has caused significant consequences. 'We have no option but to respond,' he said, noting that Iran cannot directly attack US territory and has contacted Gulf states about American military bases on their soil.

The conflict has led to a wave of missile and drone attacks across the region, including targets in Bahrain, the UAE, Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. Several Gulf states have reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, with eight people wounded in Qatar alone since the conflict began.

Diplomacy appears uncertain as Khatibzadeh criticized Trump for starting the war, stating that Washington has repeatedly disappointed Tehran. The US has advised its embassies to shelter staff and citizens due to ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, President Trump warned Iran not to escalate further, threatening an unprecedented US response.

Israeli officials have claimed their strikes targeted key Iranian military figures, though Iran has not confirmed these claims. The crisis has spread beyond Iran and Israel, with protests in places like Karachi and Kashmir. Airports across the region remain closed, affecting thousands of travelers.

The killing of Khamenei has pushed the region into one of its most dangerous moments in years, with both sides exchanging threats and missiles, and diplomacy seeming distant.