Trump Issues Warning to Iran, Criticizes Khamenei’s ‘Victory’ Claim Following Recent Conflict

Former US President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, disputing his assertion of victory in the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Trump also issued a stern warning, stating the US would “absolutely” consider further military action if Iran pursued nuclear weapons. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Khamenei of “blatantly and foolishly” misrepresenting the outcome of the war. He claimed to have personally prevented Khamenei’s assassination, alleging he knew Khamenei’s location and prevented both Israeli and US forces from acting. Trump indicated he had intervened to halt Israel’s final military push. Khamenei, in his initial public remarks since the ceasefire, stated Iran had “slapped America in the face” through missile strikes on a US base in Qatar, in response to US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump reacted by halting talks on lifting sanctions and other potential diplomatic efforts. During a White House press briefing, Trump reiterated his stance, suggesting possible air strikes if Iran’s nuclear program wasn’t dismantled. In response to the attacks, Iran has suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Iran might deny IAEA inspection requests, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared Israel remained in a state of war with Iran, highlighting plans to maintain air superiority and counter Iranian activities.