Donald Trump and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP photo)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei late Monday issued a strong warning to the United States, asking it to stop what he called “deceitful actions” and reliance on “traitorous hirelings,” amid massive unrest going on in the country. He also said he was aware that the “enemy is always present on the scene.” His remarks came amid US President Donald Trump’s open support for protesters demonstrating against the Khamenei-led regime in the Islamic Republic, and Washington’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Iran.Addressing US politicians, Khamenei said, “The great Iranian nation has asserted its resolve and identity in the face of the enemies. This was a warning to US politicians that they should halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings.”The exchange highlights sharply rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, as US leaders continue to criticise Iran over nationwide anti-government protests triggered by soaring inflation, economic hardship and growing public anger over governance.Also read: ‘Leave Iran now’; US warns its citizens as tensions rise; over 600 killed in protests — key details
Here are the key developments:
- US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries maintaining trade ties with Iran. The move comes as the Khamenei-led nation has witnessed massive demonstrations across all 31 provinces, driven by price rises and inflation.
- In a fresh round of global tariffs, Trump said countries doing business with Iran would face a 25% levy from the world’s largest economy. The decision is widely seen as a pressure tactic on Tehran over its handling of the unrest.
- Reacting to Khamenei’s warning, US senator Lindsey Graham issued a pointed response to the Iranian leader. In a post on X, Graham addressed Khamenei directly in a sarcastic and confrontational tone.
- “To the Ayatollah: we don’t talk as much as we used to. Have I offended you? As to your recent warning to American politicians, I hear Moscow is a winter wonderland. Beware of the drones. Make Iran Great Again,” Graham wrote.
- Graham’s reference to “Moscow is a winter wonderland” alluded to reports suggesting the 86-year-old Iranian leader may have an “escape plan” to seek refuge in Russia if the protests continue to escalate.
- So far, more than 600 people have been killed in the ongoing unrest, according to rights groups.
- The Islamic Republic, led by Khamenei, has imposed an unprecedented communications shutdown, largely cutting the country off from the outside world amid the deadly protests.
- President Trump has also warned that the US could attack Iran if its security forces use excessive force against protesters. US officials have briefed Trump on a wide range of military and covert options against Iran, extending beyond conventional airstrikes, CBS News reported, citing two US defence department officials. According to the report, the options include integrated military, cyber and psychological operations.
- Despite the tensions, Iran has signalled willingness to engage in talks while remaining firm on defence. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready for discussions but “completely prepared” for war if needed.
- “We do not want war, but we are completely prepared for it, even more prepared than before the previous war,” Araghchi said. “The reason is clear: the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war, so that our enemies do not once again fall into miscalculation.”
The current unrest is the largest since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police sparked the nationwide “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. Fuelled by poverty and, in some cases, ethnic inequality, demonstrators have chanted “Death to Khamenei,” directly challenging the authority of Iran’s supreme leader, who holds ultimate power over the country’s religious and state institutions.
