U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, saying he may authorize further military action if Tehran continues enriching uranium at alarming levels. The remarks came after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that Iran had "slapped America in the face" by attacking a U.S. base in Qatar, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last weekend.
Trump revealed he had blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, claiming, “I saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death.” He added that three of Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated” and insisted the strikes were highly effective. Iran, meanwhile, accused the U.S. of using a “disrespectful tone” and said future nuclear negotiations depended on Washington changing its rhetoric toward the Supreme Leader.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that if Trump truly wanted a deal, he must stop insulting Grand Ayatollah Khamenei and acknowledge his broad domestic support. Despite Trump’s earlier openness to lifting sanctions, he confirmed he had ended all discussions on sanctions relief after Iran’s hostile statements.
At a White House briefing, Trump did not rule out new airstrikes, saying they could happen “absolutely” if necessary. He also called for international inspectors, including the IAEA, to verify the damage at Iran’s bombed nuclear sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has stated resuming inspections is urgent, though Iran’s parliament recently voted to suspend such cooperation. Araqchi signaled that Tehran may reject future IAEA inspection requests.
Though no official talks have been scheduled, Trump said Iran still seeks a path forward. The escalating tensions and uncertainty over nuclear diplomacy continue to fuel global concerns about renewed conflict in the region.