In a fiery statement posted Friday on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump claimed he spared Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from assassination and criticized him for what he described as a lack of gratitude.
Trump also warned that the US would not hesitate to carry out further military strikes should Iran continue to pursue nuclear weapons.
Trump’s comments came in response to Khamenei’s televised address in which the Iranian leader downplayed the extent of damage caused by recent U.S. and Israeli bombings on nuclear sites and proclaimed that Iran had “defeated” Israel in their 12-day conflict.
The US president described Khamenei’s remarks as deceitful and insulting, noting that he had previously considered lifting sanctions as a goodwill gesture, but had now “immediately dropped all work on sanction relief.”
In the post, Trump claimed he was aware of Khamenei’s location during the recent conflict and could have allowed military forces to take him out, but refrained. “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH,” he wrote, suggesting that both US and Israeli forces were prepared to eliminate the Iranian leader.
Trump’s administration has insisted that Iran’s nuclear program has suffered major setbacks due to targeted airstrikes. However, Iran has denied the extent of the damage and rejected any plans to resume nuclear talks, contradicting Trump’s earlier claims at a NATO summit that negotiations were imminent.
Tensions further escalated after Iran denied a request from Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to inspect bombed nuclear sites. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Grossi of failing in his responsibilities and condemned his silence over the airstrikes.
Trump’s remarks were echoed by his envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed hope for a comprehensive peace deal. But when asked whether more airstrikes could follow if Iran’s nuclear capabilities remained intact, Trump replied, “Sure. Without question. Absolutely.”
As a fragile ceasefire holds following Israel’s mid-June offensive, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended the military action, saying it thwarted an imminent threat to regional and global security.
Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first appearance since the ceasefire, dismissed the impact of the attacks and ridiculed Trump’s portrayal of victory, calling his comments exaggerated and politically motivated.
What you should know
President Trump claimed he spared Iran’s Supreme Leader during recent hostilities, while warning of further airstrikes if Iran pursues nuclear weapons. Iran has denied significant damage and rejected nuclear negotiations, as tensions remain high despite a ceasefire.
