Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, stated on Friday that the United States must understand that if it provokes Iran, it will face a harsh blow.

Speaking during a gathering with the Iranian people and several officials on the occasion of Nowruz and the start of the new solar year, Khamenei addressed the threats expressed by U.S. authorities against the Iranian people.  He said, "The Americans should know that they cannot achieve any gains through threats against the Iranian people.

He continued, "They should also know that if they commit any malicious act against the Iranian nation, they will receive a severe blow.

Khamenei emphasized that "the Americans must understand that threats will lead them nowhere when confronting the Iranian people.

He added, "We have no proxies in the region; these forces operate independently.