In a remarkable statement on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that he had saved Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from assassination during the recent 12-day bombing campaign by Israel and the United States.
Trump lashed out at Khamenei for his ingratitude, saying he knew “EXACTLY where he was sheltered” but wouldn’t allow US or Israeli forces to “terminate his life.”
He added, “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'”
The extraordinary outburst came as Iran prepared to hold a state funeral for 60 nuclear scientists and military commanders killed in the bombing blitz, which began on June 13, 2025.
Iran claims at least 627 civilians were killed in the strikes.
In his post, Trump criticized Tehran for claiming victory in the conflict with Israel and announced he had halted work on lifting sanctions against Iran—a key demand from Tehran.
He claimed to have been working on sanctions relief in recent days but dropped the effort after Khamenei made a “statement of anger, hatred, and disgust.”
He urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Trump also issued a stern warning, stating the United States would bomb Iran again “without question” if intelligence indicated it was enriching uranium to military grade.
Iran has consistently denied any ambition to develop a nuclear arsenal.
The war of words follows Khamenei’s first public appearance since the ceasefire, during which he hailed Iran’s “victory” and vowed never to yield to US pressure.
He dismissed reports of damage to nuclear facilities as exaggerated, saying Washington had been dealt a “slap” in the face.
In a separate move, Iran’s government on Friday rejected a request from the Director of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, to visit the bombed facilities, calling his request a sign of “malign intent.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Grossi for not speaking out against the air strikes, accusing him of an “astounding betrayal of his duties.”
The conflict between Israel and Iran is currently under a fragile ceasefire, with tensions remaining high.
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