Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, vowing to authorize military strikes “without question” if the country resumes its nuclear weapons program.
Taking to his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump claimed he personally intervened to prevent the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the recent Israel-Iran conflict — and accused the Iranian leader of ingratitude.
“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. “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’”
Trump also revealed that his administration had considered lifting sanctions on Iran to boost its recovery, but abandoned the plan after Khamenei made combative remarks.
“I was working on the possible removal of sanctions… But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief,” Trump added.
Khamenei had earlier mocked the U.S. and Israel, downplaying the impact of airstrikes and boasting that Iran had defeated its adversaries. In response, Trump lashed out, calling Iran a “burned out, blown up country” with a “horrible economy” and “no hope.”
Despite his assertion at a recent NATO summit that new nuclear talks would begin soon, Iran has denied any plans to resume negotiations with Washington. Tensions have been further inflamed by Tehran’s refusal to allow UN nuclear inspectors access to sites hit during Israeli and U.S. strikes.
While Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism for a peace deal, he also warned that more military action could be taken if Iran continues its nuclear activities.
He concluded by declaring that Iran “got beat to hell” in the recent conflict and described the current ceasefire — which ended 12 days of hostilities — as an opportunity for Iran to reconsider its path.
Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei has insisted that Iran achieved “victory” and vowed to resist all pressure from the U.S.
