Washington: The verbal crossfire comes as both nations trade barbs over nuclear ambitions and political respect.
Donald Trump said Friday he would consider bombing Iran again if Tehran is found enriching uranium to dangerous levels, further intensifying a volatile standoff that has already seen U.S. bombing raids on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump’s comments follow sharp criticism from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who declared that Iran had “slapped America in the face” by launching a missile strike against a key U.S. base in Qatar.
The recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel ended with U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. Trump said he personally vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, despite knowing his location during the strikes. “His country was decimated, his three evil nuclear sites were obliterated… I saved him from a very ugly and ignominious death,” Trump wrote on social media.
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Iran responded by tying any potential nuclear deal to a shift in tone from Washington. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that negotiations would only move forward if the U.S. abandoned its “disrespectful” language toward the Supreme Leader. “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should stop hurting the millions of followers of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei,” Araghchi posted on X.
Trump, meanwhile, admitted that he had been working on a plan to lift sanctions on Iran to support its economic recovery — but said those efforts were abandoned after Khamenei’s provocative remarks. “I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief,” Trump said at a White House press conference.
Asked whether he would authorize further strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump replied, “Sure, without question, absolutely.”
The issue of nuclear oversight remains unresolved. Trump said he welcomes inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or another credible body. However, Iran’s parliament has moved to suspend such inspections, and Araqchi suggested Tehran may reject future IAEA visits.
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi said resuming inspections is a priority, but none have taken place since June 13, when Israel began its bombing campaign. Despite the deadlock, Trump insisted Iran is still seeking dialogue. The White House confirmed Thursday that no meeting has been scheduled with Iranian officials as of yet.
