Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Monday that the United States would face a strong retaliation if it follows through on former US President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran unless Tehran agrees to a new nuclear deal, Reuters reported.
Trump threatened on Sunday that Iran must respond within two months to an offer he made in March or face military action. In response, Tehran lodged a formal protest through Switzerland’s embassy, which represents US interests, vowing a “decisive and immediate” reaction to any threat.
Khamenei dismissed the possibility of an attack but cautioned that any US or Israeli “mischief” would be met with force. He also warned against attempts to incite internal unrest, referencing past protests that Iranian authorities blame on Western interference.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that while Tehran rejects direct negotiations with Washington, it remains open to indirect discussions under Khamenei’s guidance. Meanwhile, Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Commander Amirali Hajizadeh warned US forces in the region, stating that their military bases were vulnerable.
The tensions stem from Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which imposed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has expanded its nuclear activities, which Western nations argue signal a weapons ambition. Tehran has denied such claims.