The United States has expressed readiness to meet and negotiate with Iran amid escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning that any US attack would ignite a 'regional war' in the Middle East. Tensions have heightened as US military ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, are positioned in the Arabian Sea, following Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests that began in late December. Iran has detained over 49,500 protesters, with at least 6,713 killed according to human rights groups, though Iran reports a lower death toll of 3,117. Khamenei characterized the protests as a 'coup' and accused the US of seeking to control Iran’s natural resources, warning that war would be a regional conflict if initiated. President Trump has indicated that Iran is engaging in serious talks but has not committed to military action, emphasizing that the US's red lines are the killing or mass detention of protesters and Iran's nuclear program. Iran has also planned military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil trade route, amidst warnings from the US military. Iran's parliament has declared all EU militaries as terrorist groups in retaliation for the EU designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing negotiations and threats of military escalation.