Iran condemns Trump threats and claims of saving Khamenei after nuclear strikes, Abbas Araghchi responds
The US recently struck three Iranian nuclear sites, with US President Donald Trump declaring he'd 'absolutely' order more strikes if needed. Iran, however, insists it won't resume nuclear talks, despite Mr Trump's claims.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Mr Trump's recent comments as 'disrespectful and unacceptable,' after the US president claimed he had saved Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from 'an ugly and ignominious death' and threatened further bombing if Iran pursues nuclear weapons.
'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 supporters,' Araghchi posted on X.
'The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults,' he added.
The US recently carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israel's bombardment during a 12-day conflict launched on June 13.
Mr Trump, in a Truth Social post, claimed he had spared Khamenei's life: '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. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!''
Mr Trump also said he had been working on possible sanctions relief for Iran but dropped the effort after receiving 'a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust' from Tehran. He urged Iran to return to negotiations, but Iran has denied any plans to resume nuclear talks with the US.
Asked at a White House press conference if he would consider more air strikes if Iran's nuclear ambitions continued, Mr Trump replied: 'Sure. Without question. Absolutely.' He also said Khamenei and Iran 'got beat to hell.'
US intelligence assessments suggest the strikes only set Iran's nuclear program back by a few months, despite Mr Trump's claims of 'obliterating' the facilities.
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