US President Donald Trump has once again warned that he may order strikes on Iran, especially if the country continues to enrich uranium. This warning came just days after he claimed to help broker a ceasefire that ended 12 days of fighting between Iran and Israel.

Trump Reacts to Iran’s Supreme Leader

Trump’s threat came in response to remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In his first comment on the ceasefire, Khamenei said that Iran “slapped America in the face” by attacking a major US military base in Qatar after earlier American airstrikes. He also declared that Iran “would never surrender.”

When asked during a White House news conference about a possible new military strike, Trump said he wouldn’t rule out targeting Iran’s nuclear sites in the future if needed.

Trump Claims He Saved Khamenei’s Life

Trump also claimed he spared Khamenei during the recent military operations. He said he had full knowledge of the Iranian leader’s location but chose not to target him. US officials told Reuters that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate the supreme leader.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote, “His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the US Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life.”

He added, “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.”

Talks on Nuclear Deal Face New Tensions

Just a few days earlier, Trump had said that the US and Iran could begin nuclear talks next week. He even suggested the possibility of a new agreement, though he also claimed that the recent US attacks had destroyed Iran’s nuclear program.

However, following Trump’s harsh remarks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back. He said, “If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers.”

Trump Withdraws Offer to Ease Sanctions

Trump also announced that he would no longer consider lifting sanctions on Iran. He said he changed his mind after hearing Khamenei’s harsh message.

He explained, “I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more.”

Before that, reports said that Trump was considering removing some sanctions to help Iran recover faster. But Khamenei’s remarks made him abandon that idea.