Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a fiery rebuke of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning of further military action if Iran resumes significant nuclear enrichment activities. Trump’s remarks come just days after U.S. bombing raids targeted Iranian nuclear sites, ending a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
In a post on social media, Trump claimed he had spared Khamenei’s life, revealing that he had blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate the Supreme Leader. “His country was decimated, his three evil nuclear sites were obliterated… I saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death,” Trump wrote, adding that both Israel and the U.S. had precise knowledge of Khamenei’s location.
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The comments were in response to Khamenei’s declaration that Iran had “slapped America in the face” by retaliating with a missile strike on a major U.S. base in Qatar. Iran’s leadership has vowed not to surrender, despite suffering heavy losses in last weekend’s raids.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi countered Trump’s remarks, demanding that the U.S. abandon what he called “disrespectful” rhetoric if it seeks any future nuclear deal. He said Iran’s position would remain firm unless Washington changed its tone and approach toward the Supreme Leader and the Iranian people.
Trump, who had previously explored easing sanctions to open the door for negotiations, said he has now dropped those efforts entirely in light of Tehran’s defiant stance. He also confirmed he would not hesitate to authorize further strikes if inspections reveal resumed nuclear activity, while the International Atomic Energy Agency struggles to regain access to Iran’s bombed facilities.
