Washington [US], June 28 (ANI): US President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday, rejecting Tehran’s claims of victory in the recent 12-day conflict with Israel and warning that the United States would “absolutely” launch further strikes if Iran pursues nuclear weapons, according to Al Jazeera.
In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Khamenei of “blatantly and foolishly” lying by proclaiming triumph over the US and Israel. Trump asserted that he had personally intervened to prevent an assassination attempt on the Iranian leader and claimed full knowledge of Khamenei’s whereabouts during the recent conflict.
“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 U.S. Armed Forces—by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World—terminate his life,” Trump wrote. He further stated that he had instructed Israel to “pull back from the final knockout.”
Khamenei had declared in his first public remarks following the ceasefire that Iran had “slapped America in the face” by launching missile attacks on a major US base in Qatar. These strikes were described as retaliation for coordinated US-Israeli air raids on Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
Trump rejected the Iranian leader’s interpretation of events, calling his comments “a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust.” He added that Khamenei’s rhetoric prompted him to halt discussions aimed at lifting sanctions and restoring diplomatic ties.
At a White House press briefing earlier Friday, Trump reiterated his stance, confirming he would “without question, absolutely” consider new military strikes if Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not dismantled.
Meanwhile, tensions between Tehran and international nuclear watchdogs continue to escalate. Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Friday that Iran may deny future inspection requests. Araghchi criticized IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s demands as “meaningless and possibly even malign in intent.” No IAEA inspections have been conducted since June 13, coinciding with the start of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
In Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that his country remains on high alert and continues to prepare for potential confrontations with Iran. He stated that he has instructed the military to develop an enforcement plan to preserve air superiority, disrupt Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, and counter Tehran’s support for regional terrorist groups.
Katz also revealed that Israeli intelligence and military planners had considered a targeted strike to eliminate Khamenei during the conflict, stating that such an operation would not have required prior US approval.
The recent flare-up, marked by missile exchanges, covert operations, and targeted airstrikes, has heightened regional instability and cast doubt over future diplomatic efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
(ANI)
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