Iran’s Khamenei says ‘there is not going to be any war’ with the US

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that “there is not going to be any war” with the United States, his official website reported.

In a speech to state officials, Khamenei said the showdown between Iran and the United States was a test of resolve rather than a military encounter.

“This face-off is not military because there is not going to be any war. Neither we nor them (the US) seek war. They know it will not be in their interest,” he said, quoted on the Khamenei.ir website.

Khamenei also tweeted on Tuesday saying that Iran’s definite option was resistance.

“Iranian nation’s definite option is resistance against US and in this confrontation, US will have to withdraw. This is not a military confrontation because no war is to happen. We don’t seek a war nor do they. They know a war wouldn’t be beneficial for them,” he said.

The United States has strengthened its military presence in the region, including deploying a number of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats.