Iran escalated its rhetoric this week, taunting Israel for needing to “run to Daddy” — a reference to US President Donald Trump’s moniker — in order to escape missile retaliation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the biting comments shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran had come into force. Iran issued a strongly worded threat to the United States, demanding it stop insulting the Supreme Leader if it wants a nuclear accord.
The back-and-forth has brought the already volatile Middle East closer to the precipice, with Tehran warning it will unveil its “true capabilities” if pushed further. Trump, in turn, boasted that he spared Iran’s top leader his life, further fanning animosity.
Missile Warning and Mockery of Iran
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Araqchi also targeted Tel Aviv, stating that Israel had no option but to “run to Daddy” to save itself from Iran’s missile capabilities. He referred to the Iranian nation as “great and powerful” and stated that their reaction made Israel turn to the United States for protection.
The complexity and tenacity of Iranians is famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience. But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 27, 2025
“If fantasies result in worse errors, Iran won’t hesitate to reveal its true capabilities,” Araqchi declared, leaving no doubt that the truce is tenuous. He emphasized that the world must not underestimate Iran’s military power and cautioned Tel Aviv against making “delusional” choices.
Trump’s ‘Daddy’ Nickname Goes Global
Iran quickly transformed the nickname into diplomatic sarcasm. Araqchi ridiculed Israel for surviving on “Daddy Trump.”.
Iran Slams Trump Over Ayatollah Remarks
In a different statement, Araqchi also called on Trump to refrain from employing what he described as a “disrespectful and unacceptable tone” towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
“If President Trump is serious about making a deal, he should refrain from offending millions of sincere fans of the Supreme Leader,” Araqchi said.
His statements came in response to an incendiary tweet by Trump, who boasted that he had spared Ayatollah Khamenei from being assassinated by US or Israeli forces. “I knew exactly where he was being protected,” Trump stated, “but I did not let anyone end his life.”
Nuclear Talks Off the Table
Trump also indicated he had contemplated easing sanctions against Iran. But he said Iran’s outraged response made him drop plans to do so.
“I’m struck by anger, hatred, and revulsion,” Trump tweeted, “so I put all work on sanction relief on hold.”
Contrary to Trump’s assertions, Iran has dismissed any possibility that nuclear negotiations will reopen next week. Tehran has firmly stated that it has not scheduled any talks with Washington.
