Iran strikes back: Khamenei defies Trump's sanction threats
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei sharply criticized Donald Trump's decision to tighten sanctions against Iran. In response to US actions, Iran announced appropriate measures.
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, reacted strongly to Donald Trump's decision to implement the "maximum pressure" policy on Iran. "If they threaten our security, we will threaten theirs. If they act on their threats, we will do the same," Khamenei stated during a speech in Tehran.
Trump's decision includes the possible tightening of sanctions on Iranian oil. The US President emphasized that although he does not want to do this, he must be firm.
Tensions between the US and Iran: Trump's threats have heightened the situation
"I hope that it's not going to have to be used in any great measure at all," Trump stated. He also noted that he is ready for talks with Iranian leaders.
Khamenei recalled the previous negotiations with the US from 2010-2019, which, in his opinion, did not yield the expected results. He pointed out that the agreement was intended to lift American sanctions, but that did not happen. "Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also suggested that 'there should be no negotiations with such a government,' but stopped short of issuing a direct order not to engage with Washington," reports New York Times.
The Iranian leader also criticized the American approach to international politics. He stated that "The Americans are sitting [behind their desks] changing the map of the world on paper." "Of course, it is only on paper, it has no reality to it. They also opine about us, they talk about us, they threaten us," he added.
