Trump’s Strong Words Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions
WASHINGTON: Former President Donald Trump stirred up controversy on Friday by claiming he had protected Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from being assassinated. He criticized Khamenei for not showing gratitude and warned that he would take military action if Iran pursued nuclear weapons.
In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed frustration over Iran’s boast that it had come out on top in its ongoing conflict with Israel. He announced that he would pause any considerations for easing sanctions against Iran.
This backlash came as Iran prepared to hold a state funeral for 60 nuclear scientists and military leaders killed during recent Israeli airstrikes that began on June 13. Iran has reported that these attacks resulted in the deaths of over 600 civilians.
Trump stated that the U.S. would launch more bombings against Iran if it was found to be enriching uranium for military purposes. Iran has repeatedly denied any intentions to build nuclear weapons.
Accusing Khamenei of being ungrateful, Trump pointed to a statement from the Iranian leader claiming that the damage to nuclear sites was overstated, declaring that Tehran had hit back against the U.S. “with a slap in the face.”
In his comments, Trump asserted, “I knew exactly where he was hiding and would not allow Israel or our military to take him out.” He insisted he had saved Khamenei from “a very ugly death,” expecting some acknowledgment in return.
Despite past discussions about possible sanction relief, Trump announced he would halt those efforts following Khamenei’s recent remarks filled with anger and disdain. He urged Iran to come back to the negotiating table.
Iran, however, dismissed any notion of resuming nuclear talks with the U.S., contradicting Trump’s claims that discussions would restart soon. The Iranian government also turned down a request by Rafael Grossi, the director of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, to check on bombed facilities, citing “malign intent.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, took to social media to criticize Grossi, suggesting he had betrayed his responsibilities by not standing against the airstrikes.
When asked if he would consider further military action should recent strikes fail, Trump replied confidently, “Sure. Without question. Absolutely." He remarked that Khamenei and his country had suffered greatly in the ongoing conflict. This rhetoric plays out against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire currently holding in the Israel-Iran conflict.
