Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement on Saturday promising retribution for the deaths of his father and predecessor caused by US-Israeli forces. This proclamation arrived shortly after President Donald Trump publicly cautioned against any assassination plots directed at him.
The hostilities between Washington and Tehran have escalated, destabilizing a fragile ceasefire. President Trump declared the peace agreement void, though Qatari diplomats are actively working to restore communication. Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized that the push for vengeance remains an absolute national objective, irrespective of his own status or the involvement of specific officials, noting that a list of targets has been established.
In response, President Trump utilized his Truth Social account to warn that any effort to target him would lead to the total destruction of Iran, claiming that American military forces are prepared to neutralize the nation. Despite this aggressive posturing, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintains that Tehran has adhered to the previous memorandum of understanding, arguing that progress requires reciprocal actions.
A major point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran currently blocks to commercial shipping. Tehran seeks to impose fees and assert control, a policy rejected by the United States. While diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan continue, Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the conflict will not conclude with an Iranian surrender, reiterating the country’s readiness to defend itself following recent military exchanges that resulted in significant casualties.
