US President Donald Trump has warned Iran again. He said he may launch more strikes if Iran continues enriching uranium. Earlier this week, Trump took credit for ending the 12-day war between Iran and Israel.
Khamenei’s Statement Triggers Trump’s Reaction
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public comment after the ceasefire. He claimed, “Iran slapped America in the face” by targeting a U.S. base in Qatar. He also declared, “We will never surrender.”
In response, Trump said he wouldn’t rule out another strike. He told reporters that the U.S. might bomb Iran’s nuclear sites again if needed.
Trump Claims He Spared Khamenei
At the same time, Trump claimed he had a chance to kill Khamenei but chose not to. According to Reuters, U.S. officials said Trump blocked Israel’s plan to target the Iranian leader.
In a social media post, Trump wrote, “His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the US Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life.”
He added, “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.”
Hope for Nuclear Talks Fades
Earlier, Trump had suggested that talks with Iran could resume next week. He even said a deal might be possible, despite recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted strongly. He said, “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers.”
Trump Pulls Back Sanctions Relief
Originally, Trump said he considered easing sanctions to help Iran recover faster. But later, after Khamenei’s harsh words, Trump changed his mind.
He said, “I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more.”