Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has fired back at former U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing his claim that he could destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities if re-elected, calling it a “delusion.”
Speaking during a meeting in Tehran, Khamenei said Iran would not be intimidated by “empty threats,” adding that Trump’s remarks showed a lack of understanding of Iran’s defensive capabilities.
“Trump should keep dreaming. Iran’s enemies know very well that any aggression will be met with a decisive response,” Khamenei said.
The comment followed Trump’s campaign statement in which he vowed to take “extreme measures” against Iran’s nuclear program if he returned to office.
Iranian media condemned Trump’s remarks as “reckless and provocative,” warning that such rhetoric could destabilize the Middle East.
Political observers say the exchange has reignited tension between Tehran and Washington just as efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) remain fragile.
The White House has not yet responded to Khamenei’s remarks, but analysts suggest Iran’s leadership is using the moment to project defiance and national unity ahead of renewed talks with Western powers.
