U.S. President Donald Trump says any attack on him would trigger Iran’s “complete destruction” after Iran’s new supreme leader promises to avenge Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
By Imran Malik | World Desk | MediaBites.com.pk
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: A war of words between the United States and Iran intensified on Saturday after Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to avenge the killing of his father, while US President Donald Trump warned that any attempt to assassinate him would result in Iran being “completely decimated.”
In a written statement posted on his Telegram and X accounts following the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged retaliation against those responsible for his father’s death.
“We pledge to avenge your pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of these two recent wars by taking revenge against the criminal, disgraceful murderers,” he said, describing revenge as “the demand of the nation” that “must certainly” be carried out.
Trump responded with one of his strongest warnings yet, saying the US military had already been instructed to respond with overwhelming force if Iran targeted him.
READ MORE: Trump’s World Cup intervention sparks global controversy
“Orders have already been given, and the US Military is ready, willing, and able… to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning Tehran against any assassination attempt.
The exchange of threats comes amid heightened tensions following recent US-Israeli military operations against Iran and fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran also warned that it no longer considered itself bound by the Pakistan-brokered “Islamabad Understanding” with the United States if Washington continued violating the agreement.
According to Iranian state television, Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations said any further US violations would be met with “reciprocal action.”
Despite the hostile rhetoric, diplomatic efforts continue. Delegations from Qatar and Oman remain engaged in shuttle diplomacy aimed at preventing further escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also traveled to Muscat for talks focused on regional security and the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategically vital waterway remains under close international watch after recent attacks on commercial shipping disrupted maritime traffic and pushed global oil prices higher.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that two members of the Basij paramilitary force were killed in an attack in Mashhad, where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried earlier this week. Authorities vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Questions also persist over Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from public view since succeeding his father. Although he has issued several written statements, the new supreme leader has yet to make a public appearance or deliver a televised address.
As Washington and Tehran continue exchanging increasingly severe threats, regional mediators are working to keep diplomatic channels open and prevent the crisis from spiraling into a wider Middle East conflict.
