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| US President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei |
Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Friday that he saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from what he described as a “horrible and humiliating death,” and also prevented Israel from launching what would have been the “largest” attack on Iran.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated:
“I saved him—Khamenei—from a truly horrible and humiliating death. He doesn’t even need to say: Thank you, President Trump!”
Trump questioned Khamenei's claims of victory, writing:
“Why would the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in this war-torn country, so rudely and foolishly claim he won the war against Israel, when he knows it's a lie? As a man of great faith, he shouldn't be lying.”
He continued, saying that in the final chapter of the recent conflict, he had personally asked Israel to pull back a massive fleet of aircraft that were heading toward Tehran, possibly in what could have been a decisive blow.
“It would have resulted in massive destruction and many Iranian deaths,” he said.
“It would have been by far the largest attack of the war.”
Trump: Sanctions Relief Was Considered—Then Cancelled
Regarding economic pressure on Iran, Trump said he was actively working in recent days on a plan to ease sanctions in a way that would help Iran achieve a faster and more comprehensive economic recovery. However, he claimed that an angry and hateful statement issued by Iran led him to immediately cancel those plans.
“Instead of appreciation, I got rage and disgust,” Trump wrote.
“So I immediately halted all work on lifting sanctions or offering any relief. Iran must return to the flow of the global system, or things will only get worse for them.”
More Strikes on Iran? “Without a Doubt,” Says Trump
Earlier on Friday, Trump made another announcement: if intelligence indicates that Iran is still capable of enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, he would “definitely” strike Iran again.
Speaking at a White House press conference, he was asked whether he’d consider new strikes if last week’s bombing failed to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. His response was unequivocal:
“Without a doubt. Definitely.”
Commenting on the ceasefire declared on Wednesday between Israel and Iran, Trump said:
“It was the right time to end the war.”
Iran Wants Talks—But Trump Stays Silent
Trump also claimed that Tehran was seeking to arrange a meeting, though he did not provide additional details. He added that he supports giving full authority to the International Atomic Energy Agency—or any other credible body—to carry out thorough inspections inside Iran.
