Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning of retaliation if the Islamic Republic is attacked, following recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking on Monday during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, Khamenei emphasized that any aggression against Iran would be met with a forceful response.
“They threaten to do mischief,” Khamenei said, referencing Trump’s latest remarks. “If it is carried out, they will definitely receive a strong counterattack.”
Trump, in a Saturday interview with NBC News, stated that Iran would be bombed if it does not agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program. He also warned of imposing additional economic measures, referred to as “secondary tariffs.” The specifics of the military threat remain unclear, including whether the U.S. would act alone or in coordination with Israel.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran. This mirrors his first-term strategy, during which he withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed severe economic sanctions on Tehran. Western nations have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, asserting that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.
Possible Diplomatic Channels
Despite the rising tensions, there are indications of potential diplomatic engagement. Trump reportedly sent a letter to Khamenei on March 7, proposing nuclear negotiations and warning of military consequences if Iran refused. The letter was delivered on March 12 by UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran had sent a response to Oman, which has historically played an intermediary role between the two nations. While Iran maintains its refusal to engage in direct negotiations under threats and sanctions, it has left open the possibility of indirect talks.
Regional Implications
The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of using proxy forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various groups in Iraq, to expand its influence. Iran rejects these claims, instead labeling Israel as the primary destabilizing force in the region.
As tensions escalate, the region braces for potential military confrontations or diplomatic maneuvering that could shape the geopolitical landscape in the coming months.
