US President Donald Trump accused Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of ingratitude after the latter claimed Iran had triumphed over Israel and the US in a 12-day military standoff. The conflict began when Israel launched airstrikes on June 13 targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, as well as senior commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes, which were followed by US intervention using bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s fortified Fordow facility and two other locations. Trump, who had backed Israel’s campaign, criticized Khamenei’s declaration of victory, calling it a lie and reversing plans to ease sanctions on Iran. He emphasized that he had personally intervened to prevent a major Israeli airstrike that would have resulted in many Iranian casualties, asserting that he had saved Khamenei from a ‘very ugly and ignominious death.’ The president also warned that Khamenei did not need to express gratitude for his actions.
The Trump administration’s decision to halt potential sanctions relief came amid ongoing tensions, with the US seeking to impose ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran as part of its strategy against the country’s nuclear program. The administration had previously threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries engaging in trade with Iran. Russia, which condemned the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran as ‘illegitimate,’ welcomed the recent ceasefire announced by Trump, hoping it would prove sustainable. Meanwhile, Iran continues to deny pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities are peaceful, and has repeatedly criticized the US sanctions as illegal and unjustified.
The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, with both sides having engaged in significant military actions. Trump’s suspension of sanctions relief has added to the complexity of the situation, as it could impact diplomatic efforts and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The administration’s stance reflects a broader conservative political approach, emphasizing strong national defense and firm opposition to Iran’s actions, which aligns with Trump’s historical policies.