Tehran condemns Trump's offensive comments against Sayyed Khamenei
The controversy comes just days after Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz openly admitted that "Israel" attempted to assassinate Khamenei during the recent 12-day war against Iran, but failed.
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An Iranian woman holds a poster of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, right, and Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli rally at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a scathing rebuke Sunday following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who launched a verbal attack on the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, in a Fox News interview. Iranian officials described Trump's statements as "ridiculous and insulting," denouncing them as a blatant violation of diplomatic norms and an affront to the dignity of the Iranian people and the broader Muslim world.
The controversy comes just days after Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz openly admitted that "Israel" attempted to assassinate Sayyed Khamenei during the recent 12-day war against Iran, but failed. Speaking to Channel 13, Katz revealed: "Had he been exposed in a targetable position, we would have killed him," adding, "We searched for him extensively but couldn't reach him." Katz clarified that this operation was a joint policy between himself and the prime minister, stating explicitly: "We don't need American approval for such matters."
These revelations directly contradict Trump's claim that he "saved [Khamenei] from a very ugly and ignominious death." In the Fox News interview, Trump also mocked Khamenei's public speech following the ceasefire, describing it as "blatantly and foolishly false," and declared that Iranian leaders "got beat to hell"—comments Tehran has called not only false but deliberately provocative.
Honor. Resistance. Victory.
Iran's Foreign Ministry responded by calling the US president's remarks "a clear example of disrespect toward an ancient nation and civilization," and "an insult to the sentiments of hundreds of millions of Muslims in the region and around the world." The ministry added that such rhetoric contradicts the principles of the UN Charter and the universally accepted right to self-determination.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that such "insulting and bullying rhetoric toward Iran and the political and religious figures respected by Iranians and Muslims worldwide will undoubtedly lead to further disgust and hatred toward America's short-sighted policies."
Despite the assassination attempt and military aggression, Iran maintained its defensive posture. Following a barrage of unlawful US and Israeli strikes on Iranian scientific and military infrastructure earlier this month, Iran responded in accordance with international law, launching precision missile strikes on the US Al Udeid base in Qatar. Tehran reiterated that it does not seek escalation, but reserves the right to defend its people and sovereignty.
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In the aftermath of the conflict, Iran has simultaneously mourned its martyrs and celebrated what it sees as a strategic and moral victory. Massive funeral processions honoring fallen commanders and scientists have taken place across major cities, while public rallies have praised Iran's resilience and the leadership of Sayyed Khamenei. Citizens marched with Iranian flags and chanted against US and Zionist aggression, affirming national unity in the face of foreign threats.
As Trump continues to make incendiary remarks from abroad, Iran remains steadfast—grieving its losses, honoring its martyrs, and standing firm in resistance.