WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s stern warning against future U.S. strikes on Iran. Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, claimed that Tehran "won the war" against Israel, which Trump quickly characterized as a distortion of reality following a series of Israeli airstrikes and U.S. bombings targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
In statements to reporters and on social media, Trump described Khamenei's assertions as inconsistent with the actual situation on the ground. He noted that the U.S. military actions over the past twelve days had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program, criticizing Khamenei's credibility as the nation's top political and religious leader. "Look, you're a man of great faith. A man who’s highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth," Trump remarked, bluntly adding, "You got beat to hell."
Trump's comments came on the heels of Khamenei’s recent pre-recorded address in which he claimed that Iran had delivered a "slap to America’s face" by attacking a U.S. airbase located in Qatar. This was Khamenei's first public address in days and demonstrated his intent to assert his authority amid growing scrutiny regarding his leadership during the ongoing conflict. Khamenei warned against further military actions from the U.S. or Israel, signaling his determination to maintain a strong image amidst rising tensions.
The exchange of rhetoric between Trump and Khamenei is also reflective of the challenges each leader faces in the wake of the conflict. Trump and his administration have vehemently countered a preliminary damage assessment released by the Defense Intelligence Agency, claiming that U.S. airstrikes had only temporarily stymied Iran's nuclear advancements. In contrast, the Iranian leader, aged 86, is working to reassure his followers of his health and his pivotal role in Iran’s military strategies throughout the 12-day conflict.
In a subsequent social media post, Trump alluded to an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei shortly after the conflict's onset, a plan he ultimately rejected. "His country was decimated, his three evil nuclear sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered," Trump stated, claiming he saved Khamenei from a "very ugly and ignominious death." He further warned Khamenei through social media that the U.S. was aware of his location, but no plans for his elimination were in place "at least for now."
Following the U.S. strikes, which included the usage of advanced bunker-buster bombs, Trump has consistently claimed that Iran's nuclear facilities were entirely "obliterated." Despite the DIA's findings, which have caused concern among officials regarding the actual effectiveness of the strikes, the administration has emphasized intelligence assessments from the CIA and other sources that stated the attacks severely damaged the nuclear sites.
Trump has also made remarks indicating that he expects Iran to allow international inspections to ensure they do not resume their nuclear activities. When questioned about the possibility of demanding that the International Atomic Energy Agency or another reputable organization conduct inspections during anticipated negotiations with Iran, Trump suggested that cooperation would be essential. "They have to cooperate with the IAEA or somebody that we respect, including ourselves," he asserted.
White House officials have indicated that talks with Iran may resume soon, although no formal plans have been established yet. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned that there had been both direct and indirect conversations between the U.S. and Iran recently. A sixth round of negotiations scheduled earlier in the month in Oman was canceled following Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.
Trump expressed a degree of confidence that Iran’s nuclear ambitions have diminished in light of recent events. "Can I tell you, they’re exhausted. And Israel’s exhausted, too," he remarked. He concluded that the nuclear topic is likely the last thing on their minds at this stage.
