WebDesk, June 27, 2025 – President Donald Trump issued a stern warning that the U.S. could launch military strikes against Iran again, reaffirming a hardline stance amid ongoing tensions. He also claimed he had previously spared Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an “ugly, ignominious death” and said sanctions relief is now off the table.
Trump’s Message: Strikes Possible, Sanctions Lifted…Not Now
Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump emphasized that if Iran continues uranium enrichment to concerning levels, “without question, absolutely,” the U.S. will act militarily again. He reiterated that three Iranian nuclear sites were “obliterated” in recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, asserting he intervened to prevent Khamenei’s assassination, saving him from a “very ugly and ignominious death”.
Trump also said he had been working on sanctions relief and even a possible civilian nuclear program boost for Iran. But Khamenei’s defiant “anger, hatred, and disgust” prompted him to drop all work on easing sanctions.
READ MORE: Ceasefire in Iran: Netanyahu claims victory, US Intelligence says damage limited
Iranian Response: Respect or No Deal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded sharply, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump must set aside his “disrespectful and unacceptable tone” toward Khamenei if he wants any chance of a deal
Araqchi warned that Iran would not tolerate insults or threats, urging Trump to engage respectfully or abandon any hope for negotiations.
Stakes & Stakes-to-Jackpot
- Military option remains on the table: Trump clearly signaled another strike could happen.
- Sanctions are frozen: Relief is halted after Khamenei’s statements.
- Diplomatic talks challenged: Iran demands a respectful tone as a precondition.
- Negotiations hanging by a thread: U.S.–Iran channels remain open in theory but cold in practice.
Broader Context
- Maximum Pressure Policy: Trump’s revived 2025 strategy aims to cripple Iran’s oil exports, reduce its nuclear capacity, and coerce Tehran into a new deal. Critics say it may fuel economic distress rather than diplomatic progress.
- ‘Make Iran Great Again’: Trump has floated the potential regime change if Iran fails to comply, though officials insist the focus is on nuclear capability, not political upheaval.
