A fresh wave of diplomatic hostility erupted on Saturday after Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised US President Donald Trump’s dismissive remarks about Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and issued a stark warning about misjudging Iran’s strength.
The war of words follows Trump’s comments on Friday where he scoffed at Khamenei’s assertion that Iran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” following its missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Trump also downplayed Iran’s capabilities, citing severe damage inflicted by Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites.
In response, Araghchi wrote on X, “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers.”
Using a metaphor tied to Iranian cultural heritage, he added, “The complexity and tenacity of Iranians is famously known in our magnificent carpets…our basic premise is simple: we know our worth, value our independence and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny.”
Referring to the recent military flare-up between Iran and Israel, Araghchi claimed, “The Great and Powerful Iranian People…do not take kindly to threats and insults,” asserting that Iran’s missile barrage had left Israel with “no choice but to run to ‘Daddy’ to avoid being flattened”.
He further warned, “If illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly end any delusion about the power of Iran.”
‘I saved him from ugly death’: Trump
Earlier on Friday (June 27), Trump claimed that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “obliterated” and boasted about having spared Khamenei’s life. “His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED… I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH,” he posted on Truth Social.
While Iranian state TV had earlier aired Khamenei’s first remarks in days, reiterating the regime’s defiance, Trump rejected them as detached from reality. “You’re a man of great faith… but you got beat to hell,” he said.