Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that "there is not going to be any war" with the United States, according to his official website.
In a speech to state officials, Khamenei said the showdown between the Islamic republic 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 U.S.) seek war. They know it will not be in their interest," Khamenei.ir cited him as saying.
"The definite decision of the Iranian nation is to resist against America," Iran's supreme leader said, adding that "in this showdown America will be forced to retreat... because our resolve is stronger."
