Iran condemns Trump’s “disrespectful and unacceptable” comments on Khamenei

Iran has strongly denounced US President Donald Trump’s recent statements about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “disrespectful and unacceptable,” asserting such rhetoric undermines diplomatic prospects.

On June 27, Trump claimed on social media and to reporters that he had “saved [Khamenei] from a very ugly and ignominious death,” asserting he prevented an assassination by ordering Israeli and US forces to stand down.

He also accused Khamenei of fabricating Iran's “victory” in the recent 12-day conflict with Israel and vowed to strike Iran again if it resumed uranium enrichment. 

Responding on behalf of Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to X (formerly Twitter), warning Trump to drop his insulting tone if he genuinely seeks a nuclear deal. He wrote: “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader … and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt supporters.” 

Araghchi mocked Trump’s comments about Israel relying on Washington for protection, stating that Iran’s people “do not take kindly to threats and insults,” and cautioned that Tehran would not hesitate to reveal its “real capabilities” if provoked further.

He also referenced a recent missile strike on a US base in Qatar, describing it as a message that Israel “had no choice but to run to ‘Daddy’” — i.e., the US — to avoid being “flattened by our missiles,” a jab linking Israeli insecurity to US support.