Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern warning to the United States, vowing that any military aggression from Washington would be met with a decisive and forceful response. His statement comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to bomb Iran if it refuses to negotiate a new nuclear deal.
Trump, in a statement on Sunday, gave Tehran a two-month deadline to accept the terms outlined in a letter sent to Iranian leadership in early March. The ultimatum has escalated tensions between the two nations, reigniting fears of potential conflict in the region.
Iran Summons Swiss Ambassador Over U.S. Threats
In response to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests in Tehran. The Iranian government expressed its determination to respond “immediately and decisively” to any act of aggression.
“The hostility from the U.S. and Israel has always been there. They may threaten us, but if they take any reckless action, they will receive a strong and equal blow in return,” Khamenei stated.
He also warned against foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs, referencing past incidents of civil unrest that Iranian authorities blame on Western influence.
Past Unrest and Western Influence
Khamenei’s remarks touch on long-standing accusations that Western nations, particularly the U.S., have played a role in Iran’s domestic protests. These include the 2022-2023 demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody for allegedly violating hijab rules, as well as the 2019 nationwide protests over fuel price hikes.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the West of attempting to incite instability within the country.
No Direct Talks, But Diplomacy Continues
Despite the heightened tensions, Iran has indicated that it is open to indirect negotiations with Washington. President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Sunday that while Tehran refuses direct talks with the U.S., it is willing to engage in diplomatic discussions through intermediaries, in line with Khamenei’s directives.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned Trump’s open threat of bombing Iran, calling it a blatant violation of international peace and security.
“Violence breeds violence, peace begets peace. The U.S. can choose its course and must be ready to face the consequences,” Baghaei tweeted.
The Nuclear Standoff: A Renewed Tension
Trump’s first presidency saw the U.S. withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal, which placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the withdrawal, Iran significantly expanded its nuclear activities, surpassing the deal’s restrictions.
Western nations accuse Iran of secretly working toward developing nuclear weapons by enriching uranium beyond the levels necessary for civilian energy purposes. However, Tehran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful energy production.
As tensions rise once again, the world watches closely to see whether diplomatic efforts can prevent another confrontation or if a new cycle of conflict is imminent.
