On Friday, US President Donald Trump claimed that he had intervened to prevent the assassination of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticizing the supreme leader for his perceived lack of gratitude. Trump further asserted that he would authorize additional bombing should Iran continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
In a striking statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Tehran for asserting victory in its conflict with Israel and announced that he would be suspending efforts related to potential sanctions relief.
As Iran readies itself for a state funeral, the nation mourns the loss of 60 nuclear scientists and military commanders who perished during the 12-day bombing campaign initiated by Israel on June 13.
Iran reports that the scientists were included in a total of at least 627 civilians who lost their lives.
Former President Trump stated that the United States would conduct airstrikes on Iran once more “without question” if intelligence suggested the nation was capable of enriching uranium to military-grade levels.
The Iranian government has repeatedly refuted claims regarding its intentions to pursue a nuclear weapons program.
In a recent statement, Trump criticized the Iranian leader for what he described as ingratitude, following Khamenei’s bold assertion that claims regarding damage to nuclear facilities were overstated. Khamenei further declared that Tehran had delivered a significant “slap” to Washington.
“I was fully aware of his location and would not allow Israel or the US Armed Forces, the most formidable military in the world, to end his life,” Trump stated.
“I rescued him from a dire and disgraceful fate, and he need not express gratitude, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'”
In recent statements, Trump indicated that he has been actively considering the potential lifting of sanctions against Iran, which stands as one of the key demands from Tehran.
“However, I was met with a declaration filled with anger, hatred, and disgust, which led me to halt all efforts regarding sanction relief and beyond,” Trump stated, urging Iran to re-engage in negotiations.
Iran has refuted claims that it is poised to restart nuclear discussions with the United States, following statements from Trump indicating that negotiations were scheduled to recommence next week.
On Friday, the government dismissed a request from Rafael Grossi, the director of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, to inspect facilities that had been bombed by Israel and the United States, asserting that the request implied “malign intent.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Grossi in a post on X, alleging that his silence on the airstrikes constitutes an “astounding betrayal of his duties.”
