According to Anadolu Agency on Saturday, June 28, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that any potential negotiations between the two countries must begin with a change in tone and mutual respect.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi addressed Trump’s remarks, stating, “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers.” This statement was in response to Trump’s condemnation of Khamenei’s claim that Iran had emerged victorious after a two-week military confrontation with Israel.
Trump had criticized Khamenei’s assertion, calling it “blatant and foolish” on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused the Supreme Leader of lying and referred to Iran as “always so angry, hostile, and unhappy,” further escalating the tensions between the two nations.
“In his counter-response, Araghchi defended Iran’s sovereignty and leadership, warning that the Iranian people would not tolerate insults or threats from any foreign leader. He declared, ‘The great and powerful Iranian people, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to run to ‘Daddy’ to avoid being flattened by our missiles.’ He further emphasized Iran’s military strength, stating that any illusions of power would be shattered if the situation escalated.”
The tension comes after a brief but intense conflict between Iran and Israel that began on June 13. Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities, including nuclear sites, prompted retaliatory strikes from Iran, escalating the conflict. The U.S. intervened with airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. While a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. on June 24 ended the fighting, diplomatic efforts remain strained as the war of words continues between Tehran and Washington.
