Iran on Tuesday (Jan 13) accused the United States of deliberately trying to manufacture a pretext for US military intervention in the nation. This comes after US President Donald Trump urged "Iranian patriots" to continue protesting, promising that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests.Accusing the US of trying to stage a "regime change", Iran's mission to the United Nations said Washington was trying to create a justification for the use of force by stoking instability inside the country.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-citizens-to-leave-iran-now-amid-unrest-and-internet-blackouts-us-to-attack-iran-donald-trump-1768351709165">US tells citizens to 'leave Iran now' amid unrest and internet blackouts</a><h2>Iran slams the United States</h2>In a statement posted on X, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said "US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change," accusing Washington of relying on a familiar mix of pressure tactics. According to Tehran, sanctions, threats, and what it called "engineered unrest, and chaos" were being used as the "modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention". The mission vowed that Trump's "playbook" would "fail again" like the "12-day war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June 2025".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-in-the-crosshairs-as-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-iran-trade-partners-protest-death-toll-rises-to-648-1768273204068">India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention. This playbook has failed before. The Iranian people will defend their… <a href="https://t.co/aBvww5JqWQ">pic.twitter.com/aBvww5JqWQ</a>&mdash; I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Iran_UN/status/2011210880613302537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>In his post, the POTUS asked Iranians to “KEEP PROTESTING” and urged them to “TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS”. Calling on them to note down the names of those responsible for deaths and abuse in amid the ongoing protests, he vowed “They will pay a big price”. Trump's candid statement has raised fears that the US may attack Iran soon.The Republican president added that he had suspended all talks with Iranian officials until what he described as the “senseless killing of protesters” ends, before adding, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY”.&nbsp;

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) at least 1,847 protesters have been killed in Iran since demonstrations began on 28 December. The victims, it said, include nine minors, 135 government-affiliated personnel, and nine civilians. HRANA reports that these numbers bring the total deaths to 2,000.

Iran has accused the United States of trying to engineer a pretext for military intervention by fuelling unrest and pushing for regime change. Here's what Tehran said.

Iran on Tuesday (Jan 13) accused the United States of deliberately trying to manufacture a pretext for US military intervention in the nation. This comes after US President Donald Trump urged "Iranian patriots" to continue protesting, promising that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Accusing the US of trying to stage a "regime change", Iran's mission to the United Nations said Washington was trying to create a justification for the use of force by stoking instability inside the country. Also read | US tells citizens to 'leave Iran now' amid unrest and internet blackouts Iran slams the United States In a statement posted on X, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said "US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change," accusing Washington of relying on a familiar mix of pressure tactics. According to Tehran, sanctions, threats, and what it called "engineered unrest, and chaos" were being used as the "modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention". The mission vowed that Trump's "playbook" would "fail again" like the "12-day war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June 2025". Also read | India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners

Iran has accused the United States of trying to engineer a pretext for military intervention by fuelling unrest and pushing for regime change. Here's what Tehran said.&nbsp;

Iran accuses US of plotting 'regime change' after Trump tells protesters, 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY'

President Donald J. Trump has said that he is following the ongoing protests in Iran closely and is aware of the reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is planning to flee amid the crisis. Trump replied in the affirmative during an interview to Fox News when asked if he was following the ongoing protests in Iran and if he knew about Iranian leader Khamenei’s plan to flee to Moscow.&nbsp;“Yeah, I'm following it very closely,” said Trump on the protests intensifying in Iran.On being asked if he had read that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a Plan B to go to Russia, Trump said, “Or someplace, yeah. He’s looking to go someplace.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-s-hands-stained-with-the-blood-of-iranians-some-rioters-want-to-please-him-says-khamenei-amid-death-to-america-chants-1767956396834">‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During an interview tonight with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, President Donald J. Trump was asked if he was following the ongoing protests in Iran and if he had heard about Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s plan to flee to Moscow. Trump: “Yeah, I&#39;m following it very… <a href="https://t.co/VsiX55VDlC">pic.twitter.com/VsiX55VDlC</a>&mdash; OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2009469042369962371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reza-pahlavi-urges-iranians-to-continue-protests-warns-tehran-may-cut-internet-1767871076570">Reza Pahlavi urges Iranians to continue protests, warns Tehran may cut internet</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Well, we’re going to hit them hard if they kill people’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;On being further probed on whether he believes that Iran is on the verge of collapsing, Trump said, “Well, it could be. I mean, what they’ve done is they start, in the past, they’ve started shooting the hell out of people. And all of a sudden, people without any weapons whatsoever are standing there and you have machine guns gunning them down. Or they take them to prisons and then hang them and kill them. So they played rough. And I said, if they do that, we’re going to hit them very hard. Well, we’re going to hit them hard. We’re ready to do it. If they do that, we’re going to hit them hard. And so far, for the most part, there’s been some of it. But for the most part, they haven’t. There have been people killed. Some of them, the crowds are so big that some of them have had really like were stomped on. Literally, it was it was terrible.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-blackout-in-iran-as-protests-continue-for-12th-day-reza-pahlavi-heads-to-mar-a-lago-1767899040216">Internet blackout in Iran as protests continue for 12th day; Reza Pahlavi heads to Mar-a-Lago</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘The enthusiasm to overturn that regime is incredible’</h2>&nbsp;Referring to the huge crowds hitting the streets in Iran, Trump said the massive turnout at protests shows that the enthusiasm to overturn the current regime in Iran is incredible.&nbsp;“The crowds are just they’re massive. The enthusiasm to overturn that regime is incredible. But there’s been people killed, but it’s more from death by it’s literally stomping. It’s it’s people running in a certain direction. So we’ll see what happens. We’ll see what happens. There’s so many people protesting,” Trump added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senate-clears-resolution-to-restrain-trump-from-further-military-action-in-venezuela-1767896125708">Senate clears resolution to restrain Trump from further military action in Venezuela</a>

Referring to the huge crowds hitting the streets in Iran as protests in the Islamic Republic entered the 12th day, President Donald Trump said the massive turnout at the demonstrations shows that the enthusiasm to overturn the current regime in Iran is incredible. 

President Donald J. Trump has said that he is following the ongoing protests in Iran closely and is aware of the reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is planning to flee amid the crisis. Trump replied in the affirmative during an interview to Fox News when asked if he was following the ongoing protests in Iran and if he knew about Iranian leader Khamenei’s plan to flee to Moscow. “Yeah, I'm following it very closely,” said Trump on the protests intensifying in Iran. On being asked if he had read that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a Plan B to go to Russia, Trump said, “Or someplace, yeah. He’s looking to go someplace.” Also Read: ‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants

Referring to the huge crowds hitting the streets in Iran as protests in the Islamic Republic entered the 12th day, President Donald Trump said the massive turnout at the demonstrations shows that the enthusiasm to overturn the current regime in Iran is incredible.&nbsp;

‘Khamenei is looking to go someplace,’ says Trump as protests intensify in Iran

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Iran 'rioters' want to please Trump; he should focus on US problems: 6 things Supreme Leader Khamenei said on protests

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the economic demands of protesters, but warned “rioters” must be put in their place. This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.“The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. He added, “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair.”Khamenei further warned that while “authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place.”According to the official figures, at least eight people have been killed in the clashes between security forces and protesters. On Saturday, Mehr news agency reported that a member of an Iranian paramilitary force was killed during a demonstration in the country’s west.The clashes mark an escalation in the unrest, which has spread across Iran after shopkeepers began protests last Sunday over inflation and the depreciating currency. The protests have now spread to at least 25 Iranian cities, including those in rural provinces.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a>On Saturday, while the streets of Tehran remained mostly quiet, around 300 people gathered and blocked streets in Darehshahr. The crowd also threw cocktails and “brandished Kalashnikovs” on Friday, according to Fars.The rate of inflation in Iran is at a high of 40 per cent, made worse by Western sanctions.The Iranian government has offered dialogue after the protests, signalling a softer and conciliatory approach. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Thursday that authorities would hold a direct dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, but did not elaborate further.&nbsp;

This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the economic demands of protesters, but warned “rioters” must be put in their place. This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities. “The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. He added, “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair.” Khamenei further warned that while “authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place.” According to the official figures, at least eight people have been killed in the clashes between security forces and protesters. On Saturday, Mehr news agency reported that a member of an Iranian paramilitary force was killed during a demonstration in the country’s west. The clashes mark an escalation in the unrest, which has spread across Iran after shopkeepers began protests last Sunday over inflation and the depreciating currency. The protests have now spread to at least 25 Iranian cities, including those in rural provinces. Also read | Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes On Saturday, while the streets of Tehran remained mostly quiet, around 300 people gathered and blocked streets in Darehshahr. The crowd also threw cocktails and “brandished Kalashnikovs” on Friday, according to Fars. The rate of inflation in Iran is at a high of 40 per cent, made worse by Western sanctions. The Iranian government has offered dialogue after the protests, signalling a softer and conciliatory approach. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Thursday that authorities would hold a direct dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, but did not elaborate further.

This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.

‘Must be put in their place’: Khamenei warns rioters, says protesters’ demands ‘completely fair’

At the heart of the turmoil is Iran’s complex power structure, where unelected religious and military bodies wield decisive authority alongside elected institutions. Here is a guide to who really holds power in Tehran and how the system functions.

At the heart of the turmoil is Iran’s complex power structure, where unelected religious and military bodies wield decisive authority alongside elected institutions. Here is a guide to who really holds power in Tehran and how the system functions.

Iran protests: Who controls Tehran? Supreme Leader, President, IRGC and the Islamic Republic’s power web explained

Iran has firmly rejected the creation of a transport corridor near its border as part of a US-brokered peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The route, officially called the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” was announced at the White House on Friday as a key element of the agreement aimed at ending decades of hostility between the two nations. It would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave, passing close to Iranian territory, and give the United States development rights.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-not-show-any-mercy-iran-probes-20-arrests-over-alleged-israel-links-after-deadly-war-1754753216639">'Will not show any mercy': Iran probes 20 arrests over alleged Israel links after deadly war</a>Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Tasnim news agency that Tehran would not permit the plan to go ahead. “With the implementation of this plot, the security of the South Caucasus will be endangered,” Velayati warned. He called the idea “an impossible notion” and predicted it would become “a graveyard for Trump’s mercenaries”.<h2>Iran fears security risks and loss of regional links</h2>Iran has consistently opposed the proposed corridor, also known as the Zangezur route, fearing it could sever its connection to Armenia and the wider Caucasus while bringing foreign forces closer to its frontier. “We have the right to defend our interests in a completely powerful manner,” Velayati said, noting that Iran had already conducted multiple military drills in the area to demonstrate its readiness.The Iranian foreign ministry, while welcoming the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, voiced “concern over the negative consequences of any foreign intervention in any way and form, especially in the vicinity of common borders”. It added that such actions would “disrupt the security and lasting stability of the region”.<h2>A long and bitter conflict</h2>Armenia, a Christian-majority nation, and Muslim-majority Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict, particularly over the disputed Karabakh region. The two countries fought wars over the territory, most recently in 2023, when Azerbaijan regained control in a rapid offensive, triggering the mass exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians. A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, claimed Armenia would gain a major ally from the peace deal, describing the United States as “an enormous strategic commercial partner, probably the most enormous and strategic in the history of the world”. “The losers here are China, Russia and Iran,” the official added.

Iran rejected the proposed “Trump Route” near its border, part of a US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, warning it threatens regional security and vowing to block its implementation.

Iran has firmly rejected the creation of a transport corridor near its border as part of a US-brokered peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The route, officially called the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” was announced at the White House on Friday as a key element of the agreement aimed at ending decades of hostility between the two nations. It would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave, passing close to Iranian territory, and give the United States development rights. Also read: 'Will not show any mercy': Iran probes 20 arrests over alleged Israel links after deadly war Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Tasnim news agency that Tehran would not permit the plan to go ahead. “With the implementation of this plot, the security of the South Caucasus will be endangered,” Velayati warned. He called the idea “an impossible notion” and predicted it would become “a graveyard for Trump’s mercenaries”. Iran fears security risks and loss of regional links Iran has consistently opposed the proposed corridor, also known as the Zangezur route, fearing it could sever its connection to Armenia and the wider Caucasus while bringing foreign forces closer to its frontier. “We have the right to defend our interests in a completely powerful manner,” Velayati said, noting that Iran had already conducted multiple military drills in the area to demonstrate its readiness. The Iranian foreign ministry, while welcoming the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, voiced “concern over the negative consequences of any foreign intervention in any way and form, especially in the vicinity of common borders”. It added that such actions would “disrupt the security and lasting stability of the region”. A long and bitter conflict Armenia, a Christian-majority nation, and Muslim-majority Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict, particularly over the disputed Karabakh region. The two countries fought wars over the territory, most recently in 2023, when Azerbaijan regained control in a rapid offensive, triggering the mass exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians. A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, claimed Armenia would gain a major ally from the peace deal, describing the United States as “an enormous strategic commercial partner, probably the most enormous and strategic in the history of the world”. “The losers here are China, Russia and Iran,” the official added.

Iran rejected the proposed “Trump Route” near its border, part of a US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, warning it threatens regional security and vowing to block its implementation.

'Graveyard for Trump’s mercenaries': Iran vows to block US-brokered Azerbaijan-Armenia corridor near its border

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (July 16) said that Israel’s recent strikes were designed not just to target military figures but to create chaos and ultimately bring down the Islamic Republic. “The calculation and plan of the aggressors was to weaken the system by targeting certain figures and sensitive centres in Iran,” he told judiciary officials in Tehran on Wednesday.Khamenei said the attack was part of a broader strategy to trigger protests and “bring people into the streets to overthrow the system”. Video excerpts of his speech were shared on his official website. Khamenei asked diplomats and military leaders to proceed with “care and precision”, without going into details, adding that Iran would approach both diplomacy and conflict “from a position of strength”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-volodymyr-can-you-hit-moscow-trump-asked-zelensky-about-deep-strikes-inside-russia-to-make-them-feel-pain-here-s-how-zelensky-responded-1752578230631">‘Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow?’: Trump asked Zelensky about deep strikes inside Russia to ‘make them feel pain’ — Here’s how Zelensky&nbsp;responded</a><h2>Israeli strikes killed top Iranian commanders and scientists</h2>On 13 June, Israel launched what officials described as an unprecedented bombing campaign inside Iran. It targeted high-level military commanders and nuclear scientists in strikes that Iranian authorities say killed more than 1,000 people. During the 12-day conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on 15 June that the operation “certainly could” lead to regime change in Tehran. “The Iranian regime is very weak,” he said.<h2>Iran, US and Israel all exchanged strikes before ceasefire</h2>In retaliation, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets, killing 28 people according to Israeli officials. Days later, on 22 June, the United States joined the conflict, launching rare strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. Tehran hit back by striking the US Al-Udaid airbase in Qatar. Khamenei called the missile attack “a big blow” to Washington and warned that “even greater strikes can be dealt to the US and others”. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since 24 June.<h2>Nuclear talks halted after attacks</h2>The Israeli strikes came just two days before a scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. The negotiations, which began on 12 April, have not resumed since. While Tehran has said it remains open to diplomacy, it insists that Washington must provide firm guarantees it won’t use military force again. Iran’s parliament on Wednesday ruled out further talks unless unnamed “preconditions” are met.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (July 16) said that Israel waged the 12-day war against Tehran to incite regime change, adding that it was a strategy to ignite protests and bring people onto streets.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (July 16) said that Israel’s recent strikes were designed not just to target military figures but to create chaos and ultimately bring down the Islamic Republic. “The calculation and plan of the aggressors was to weaken the system by targeting certain figures and sensitive centres in Iran,” he told judiciary officials in Tehran on Wednesday. Khamenei said the attack was part of a broader strategy to trigger protests and “bring people into the streets to overthrow the system”. Video excerpts of his speech were shared on his official website. Khamenei asked diplomats and military leaders to proceed with “care and precision”, without going into details, adding that Iran would approach both diplomacy and conflict “from a position of strength”. Also read: ‘Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow?’: Trump asked Zelensky about deep strikes inside Russia to ‘make them feel pain’ — Here’s how Zelensky responded Israeli strikes killed top Iranian commanders and scientists On 13 June, Israel launched what officials described as an unprecedented bombing campaign inside Iran. It targeted high-level military commanders and nuclear scientists in strikes that Iranian authorities say killed more than 1,000 people. During the 12-day conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on 15 June that the operation “certainly could” lead to regime change in Tehran. “The Iranian regime is very weak,” he said. Iran, US and Israel all exchanged strikes before ceasefire In retaliation, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets, killing 28 people according to Israeli officials. Days later, on 22 June, the United States joined the conflict, launching rare strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. Tehran hit back by striking the US Al-Udaid airbase in Qatar. Khamenei called the missile attack “a big blow” to Washington and warned that “even greater strikes can be dealt to the US and others”. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since 24 June. Nuclear talks halted after attacks The Israeli strikes came just two days before a scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. The negotiations, which began on 12 April, have not resumed since. While Tehran has said it remains open to diplomacy, it insists that Washington must provide firm guarantees it won’t use military force again. Iran’s parliament on Wednesday ruled out further talks unless unnamed “preconditions” are met.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (July 16) said that Israel waged the 12-day war against Tehran to incite regime change, adding that it was a strategy to ignite protests and bring people onto the streets.

To incite regime change? Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei reveals why Israel waged 12-day war against Tehran

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday (Jul 5) since the start of his country's 12-day war with Israel. The Iranian supreme leader was seen attending a religious ceremony in central Tehran, state media reported. Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.<h2>Why did Khamenei go missing?</h2>The Iranian supreme leader has been missing from the public for quite a while. His absence during the Israel-Iran conflict had given rise to speculations over his health. However, as crowds chanted, "The blood in our veins for our leader!" Khamenei on Saturday was seen waving and smiling, he appeared physically stable.Earlier, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US entered later, Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei's archives office, during an interview with The New York Times, was asked about Khamenei's well-being: "People are very worried about the Supreme Leader." To this, Fazaeli, without offering a direct answer, ominously said, "We all should be praying."He assured the host that the people who are responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader were doing their job well, and said, "God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing."<h2>Khamenei absent from action</h2>The appearance marked Khamenei's first in-person event since June 11 — just two days before Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13. The Israeli airstrikes ignited the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in decades.On June 11, Khamenei met with members of parliament, and just last week, he released a pre-recorded message. However, his lack of public presence during the height of the conflict had drawn global attention. Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Supreme Leader had been hiding in a secure underground bunker and was avoiding all electronic communication to prevent assassination attempts. Khamenei's public reappearance may just be Iran's attempt at projecting stability and control after the so-called 12-day conflict.

Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday (Jul 5) since the start of his country's 12-day war with Israel. The Iranian supreme leader was seen attending a religious ceremony in central Tehran, state media reported. Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. Why did Khamenei go missing? The Iranian supreme leader has been missing from the public for quite a while. His absence during the Israel-Iran conflict had given rise to speculations over his health. However, as crowds chanted, "The blood in our veins for our leader!" Khamenei on Saturday was seen waving and smiling, he appeared physically stable. Earlier, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US entered later, Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei's archives office, during an interview with The New York Times, was asked about Khamenei's well-being: "People are very worried about the Supreme Leader." To this, Fazaeli, without offering a direct answer, ominously said, "We all should be praying." He assured the host that the people who are responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader were doing their job well, and said, "God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing." Khamenei absent from action The appearance marked Khamenei's first in-person event since June 11 — just two days before Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13. The Israeli airstrikes ignited the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in decades. On June 11, Khamenei met with members of parliament, and just last week, he released a pre-recorded message. However, his lack of public presence during the height of the conflict had drawn global attention. Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Supreme Leader had been hiding in a secure underground bunker and was avoiding all electronic communication to prevent assassination attempts. Khamenei's public reappearance may just be Iran's attempt at projecting stability and control after the so-called 12-day conflict.

Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.

Where was Khamenei hiding? Iran's Supreme Leader makes public appearance days after 12-day war with Israel

Tensions ran high in the Loni Kalbhor area near Pune on Monday (June 30) after an Iranian flag and posters featuring Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei were seen close to the Loni railway station. According to reports, a few Iranian citizens had been shouting slogans in the area for the past three days. The sudden appearance of the banners triggered unrest near the Pune-Solapur National Highway and the law and order enforcement along with civic officials were forced to step in.&nbsp;After several complaints, municipal authorities, with the presence of the police, reached the spot and removed the banners to calm the situation and maintain peace in the area. The police action was necessitated by the demonstrations organised by Hindu groups, who vehemently protested the political exhibition. The authorities have now started an inquiry into the reasons for the exhibition and are keeping a close watch on the situation to avert further disruptions.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) stressed that he saved Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where the Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.&nbsp;Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie. "As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said.

Tensions flare in Pune after Ayatollah Khameneis poster Irans flag surface

Tensions ran high in the Loni Kalbhor area near Pune on Monday (June 30) after an Iranian flag and posters featuring Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei were seen close to the Loni railway station. According to reports, a few Iranian citizens had been shouting slogans in the area for the past three days. The sudden appearance of the banners triggered unrest near the Pune-Solapur National Highway and the law and order enforcement along with civic officials were forced to step in. After several complaints, municipal authorities, with the presence of the police, reached the spot and removed the banners to calm the situation and maintain peace in the area. The police action was necessitated by the demonstrations organised by Hindu groups, who vehemently protested the political exhibition. The authorities have now started an inquiry into the reasons for the exhibition and are keeping a close watch on the situation to avert further disruptions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) stressed that he saved Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where the Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war. Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie. "As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said.

The sudden appearance of the banners triggered unrest near the Pune-Solapur National Highway and the law and order enforcement along with civic officials were forced to step in

Tensions flare in Pune after Ayatollah Khamenei's poster, Iran's flag surface

Tension between the United States and Iran has increased to the highest point after decades following the order of President Donald Trump to strike the key nuclear facilities across the Middle Eastern country. Conflictss between these nations are not new. Iran has always remained one of the greatest adversaries of the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini threw pro-Western Mohammad Reza Pahlavi out of power in Tehran.Since then, the region has always remained heated, beginning with the conflicts on the issue of oil production to nuclear ambitions, Iran’s backing of proxies in the region, and US political interference. Trump was dragged into the recent war after Israel, considering Iran a nuclear threat, launched unprecedented strikes across the country, accusing Tehran of developing nuclear weapons.So, how has Iran always remained a target of the US? What is the real history behind this war? Was Iran a threat to the US or other nations else US begin war and always target Iran with the influence of colonial rulers (England) for its own selfish purpose?Let's delve into the timeline of the history of both nations' conflicts and know the facts:<h3>(1953) CIA-Backed Coup and Return of the Shah:</h3>Tensions between Iran and Western powers escalated when Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, elected in 1951, initiated steps to nationalise the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, an enterprise largely under British control since the early 20th century. This move to take control of Iran’s oil resources infuriated Britain, prompting it to seek American support. In response, the US Central Intelligence Agency collaborated with British intelligence to orchestrate a coup that ousted Mosaddegh and reinstated Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the previously exiled monarch, as shah.<h3>(1957) Civilian nuclear agreement – Atoms for Peace:</h3>Iran’s interest in developing nuclear energy began to take shape under the Shah’s leadership, with significant backing from the United States and its allies. In 1957, the two nations entered into a nuclear cooperation agreement under US President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s "Atoms for Peace" initiative. This agreement was aimed at promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology. By the late 1960s, the US had supplied Iran with a nuclear research reactor and uranium fuel, laying the groundwork for Iran’s current nuclear programme and the global debates that followed.<h3>(1979) Islamic revolution:</h3>While relations between Tehran and Washington were increasing, people of Iran were agitating under the dictatorship of the shah, demanding the removal of Western influence in the nation. Revolutionary protests also began rocking the country in late 1978, which forced the shah to flee in January 1979. As a result, the exiled Islamic scholar Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to power in Iran as the new Islamic Republic.<h3>(1980) Diplomatic break with the US:</h3>After the United States permitted the exiled Shah of Iran to receive cancer treatment, Iranian students stormed the American embassy in Tehran, taking 52 hostages and holding them for 444 days. In response, the US severed diplomatic relations and implemented economic sanctions. The former shah eventually died in exile.<h3>(1980–1988) US support for Iraq in war:</h3>When Saddam Hussein launched a military assault on Iran, aiming to weaken Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary influence, the US aligned itself with Iraq. This decision escalated hostilities between Washington and Tehran. The brutal conflict continued until 1988, causing massive casualties on both sides, with Iraq even deploying chemical weapons against Iranian forces.<h3>(1984) Iran labelled terror sponsor:</h3>Amid increasing regional unrest, President Ronald Reagan designated Iran as a "state sponsor of terrorism" following deadly attacks in Lebanon, where US troops were stationed after Israel’s incursion. One of the deadliest assaults, on a US Marine barracks in Beirut, killed 241 American personnel. Washington attributed the attack to Hezbollah, a militant group with Iranian support. Despite this, Reagan’s administration later covertly negotiated with Iran for the release of hostages held by Hezbollah — a revelation that sparked the infamous Iran-Contra scandal.<h3>(1988) Civilian plane downed by US Navy:</h3>Amid escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf, a US Navy warship mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 en route to Dubai on July 8, killing all 290 people aboard. Although the US called the incident an error, it neither issued a formal apology nor accepted full responsibility. However, it eventually compensated victims' families with a payment totalling $61.8 million.<h3>(1995) Sanction against Iran:</h3>US's sanctions against Iran escalated between 1995 and 1996 as then President Bill Clinton’s executive orders banned US companies from making any deal with Iran. Meanwhile, the Congress also passed a law penalising foreign entities from making any kind of investment in the country's energy sector or selling Iran advanced weapons. Meanwhile, the US also went for nuclear advancement and support of groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.<h3>(2002) Post-9/11 tensions:</h3>In the wake of the September 11 attacks, US President George W. Bush labelled Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as an “Axis of Evil” during his State of the Union speech. This declaration came despite Iran and the US having cooperated covertly at the time to combat mutual enemies, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. However, the relationship quickly deteriorated, and by late 2022, Iran was found to possess highly enriched uranium, prompting renewed international sanctions.<h3>(2013–2015) Iran’s Nuclear Agreement:</h3>Beginning in 2013, President Barack Obama initiated direct negotiations with Iran, which culminated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, also signed by China, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, required Iran to restrict its nuclear enrichment to 3.67 per cent in return for sanction relief.<h3>(2018) US Exit from JCPOA:</h3>In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the JCPOA, reinstating sanctions on Iran. The move was supported by Israel and criticised the agreement’s effectiveness. In response, Iran abandoned its nuclear restrictions under the deal and resumed uranium enrichment beyond agreed limits.<h3>(2019) The US designates Iran’s military institution as a terrorist org:</h3>The US designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the most powerful military institution of Iran, as a terrorist organisation. Following this, it has become the first time that the Americans assigned such a classification to a part of a foreign government.<h3>(2020) Assassination of Qassem Soleimani:</h3>In one of the most escalatory moves of Trump’s presidency, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad. The assassination followed the US decision in 2019 to designate the Quds Force as a terrorist organisation. Iran retaliated with missile attacks targeting American bases in Iraq.<h3>(2025) Letter to Tehran and US attack:</h3>Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in March demanding new negotiations on a nuclear deal, giving deadlines of 60 days. During the negotiations, Khamenei rejected the proposal, viewing it as the US trying to dictate terms. The discussions had quietly begun in countries like Oman and Italy, with Muscat playing a mediating role. Former US President Donald Trump stated that his administration had come “very close” to reaching an agreement after several dialogue rounds, even cautioning Israel against military actions.Iran remained cautiously hopeful but firmly maintained its right to continue uranium enrichment, which remained a major point of contention. A day before the sixth round of US-Iran negotiations, Israel carried out airstrikes across Iranian territory.Shortly after, the US joined the Israeli assault, targeting three of Iran’s major nuclear sites, including Fordow and Natanz. This offensive included the first combat use of America’s most powerful "bunker-buster" bomb. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts US forces. Qatari officials later confirmed the missiles were intercepted and that the base had been evacuated ahead of the attack. &nbsp;

Conflicts between these nations are not new. Iran has always remained one of the greatest adversaries of the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini threw pro-Western Mohammad Reza Pahlavi out of power in Tehran.

Tension between the United States and Iran has increased to the highest point after decades following the order of President Donald Trump to strike the key nuclear facilities across the Middle Eastern country. Conflictss between these nations are not new. Iran has always remained one of the greatest adversaries of the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini threw pro-Western Mohammad Reza Pahlavi out of power in Tehran. Since then, the region has always remained heated, beginning with the conflicts on the issue of oil production to nuclear ambitions, Iran’s backing of proxies in the region, and US political interference. Trump was dragged into the recent war after Israel, considering Iran a nuclear threat, launched unprecedented strikes across the country, accusing Tehran of developing nuclear weapons. So, how has Iran always remained a target of the US? What is the real history behind this war? Was Iran a threat to the US or other nations else US begin war and always target Iran with the influence of colonial rulers (England) for its own selfish purpose? Let's delve into the timeline of the history of both nations' conflicts and know the facts: (1953) CIA-Backed Coup and Return of the Shah: Tensions between Iran and Western powers escalated when Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, elected in 1951, initiated steps to nationalise the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, an enterprise largely under British control since the early 20th century. This move to take control of Iran’s oil resources infuriated Britain, prompting it to seek American support. In response, the US Central Intelligence Agency collaborated with British intelligence to orchestrate a coup that ousted Mosaddegh and reinstated Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the previously exiled monarch, as shah. (1957) Civilian nuclear agreement – Atoms for Peace: Iran’s interest in developing nuclear energy began to take shape under the Shah’s leadership, with significant backing from the United States and its allies. In 1957, the two nations entered into a nuclear cooperation agreement under US President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s "Atoms for Peace" initiative. This agreement was aimed at promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology. By the late 1960s, the US had supplied Iran with a nuclear research reactor and uranium fuel, laying the groundwork for Iran’s current nuclear programme and the global debates that followed. (1979) Islamic revolution: While relations between Tehran and Washington were increasing, people of Iran were agitating under the dictatorship of the shah, demanding the removal of Western influence in the nation. Revolutionary protests also began rocking the country in late 1978, which forced the shah to flee in January 1979. As a result, the exiled Islamic scholar Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to power in Iran as the new Islamic Republic. (1980) Diplomatic break with the US: After the United States permitted the exiled Shah of Iran to receive cancer treatment, Iranian students stormed the American embassy in Tehran, taking 52 hostages and holding them for 444 days. In response, the US severed diplomatic relations and implemented economic sanctions. The former shah eventually died in exile. (1980–1988) US support for Iraq in war: When Saddam Hussein launched a military assault on Iran, aiming to weaken Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary influence, the US aligned itself with Iraq. This decision escalated hostilities between Washington and Tehran. The brutal conflict continued until 1988, causing massive casualties on both sides, with Iraq even deploying chemical weapons against Iranian forces. (1984) Iran labelled terror sponsor: Amid increasing regional unrest, President Ronald Reagan designated Iran as a "state sponsor of terrorism" following deadly attacks in Lebanon, where US troops were stationed after Israel’s incursion. One of the deadliest assaults, on a US Marine barracks in Beirut, killed 241 American personnel. Washington attributed the attack to Hezbollah, a militant group with Iranian support. Despite this, Reagan’s administration later covertly negotiated with Iran for the release of hostages held by Hezbollah — a revelation that sparked the infamous Iran-Contra scandal. (1988) Civilian plane downed by US Navy: Amid escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf, a US Navy warship mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 en route to Dubai on July 8, killing all 290 people aboard. Although the US called the incident an error, it neither issued a formal apology nor accepted full responsibility. However, it eventually compensated victims' families with a payment totalling $61.8 million. (1995) Sanction against Iran: US's sanctions against Iran escalated between 1995 and 1996 as then President Bill Clinton’s executive orders banned US companies from making any deal with Iran. Meanwhile, the Congress also passed a law penalising foreign entities from making any kind of investment in the country's energy sector or selling Iran advanced weapons. Meanwhile, the US also went for nuclear advancement and support of groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. (2002) Post-9/11 tensions: In the wake of the September 11 attacks, US President George W. Bush labelled Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as an “Axis of Evil” during his State of the Union speech. This declaration came despite Iran and the US having cooperated covertly at the time to combat mutual enemies, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. However, the relationship quickly deteriorated, and by late 2022, Iran was found to possess highly enriched uranium, prompting renewed international sanctions. (2013–2015) Iran’s Nuclear Agreement: Beginning in 2013, President Barack Obama initiated direct negotiations with Iran, which culminated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, also signed by China, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, required Iran to restrict its nuclear enrichment to 3.67 per cent in return for sanction relief. (2018) US Exit from JCPOA: In 2018, President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the JCPOA, reinstating sanctions on Iran. The move was supported by Israel and criticised the agreement’s effectiveness. In response, Iran abandoned its nuclear restrictions under the deal and resumed uranium enrichment beyond agreed limits. (2019) The US designates Iran’s military institution as a terrorist org: The US designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the most powerful military institution of Iran, as a terrorist organisation. Following this, it has become the first time that the Americans assigned such a classification to a part of a foreign government. (2020) Assassination of Qassem Soleimani: In one of the most escalatory moves of Trump’s presidency, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad. The assassination followed the US decision in 2019 to designate the Quds Force as a terrorist organisation. Iran retaliated with missile attacks targeting American bases in Iraq. (2025) Letter to Tehran and US attack: Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in March demanding new negotiations on a nuclear deal, giving deadlines of 60 days. During the negotiations, Khamenei rejected the proposal, viewing it as the US trying to dictate terms. The discussions had quietly begun in countries like Oman and Italy, with Muscat playing a mediating role. Former US President Donald Trump stated that his administration had come “very close” to reaching an agreement after several dialogue rounds, even cautioning Israel against military actions. Iran remained cautiously hopeful but firmly maintained its right to continue uranium enrichment, which remained a major point of contention. A day before the sixth round of US-Iran negotiations, Israel carried out airstrikes across Iranian territory. Shortly after, the US joined the Israeli assault, targeting three of Iran’s major nuclear sites, including Fordow and Natanz. This offensive included the first combat use of America’s most powerful "bunker-buster" bomb. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts US forces. Qatari officials later confirmed the missiles were intercepted and that the base had been evacuated ahead of the attack.

Conflicts between these nations are not new. Iran has always remained one of the greatest adversaries of the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini threw pro-Western Mohammad Reza Pahlavi out of power in Tehran.

EXPLAINED: Is Iran really a threat or a victim of US? Know history of 70 years of betrayals, coups and bombs

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was not involved in approving the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to a report by Iran International. The truce, reportedly proposed by US President Donald Trump, was approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian without consulting Khamenei.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-in-return-for-yellowcake-iran-ready-to-send-enriched-uranium-abroad-after-war-but-400kg-of-enriched-uranium-still-missing-1751111917685">'In return for yellowcake': Iran ready to send enriched uranium abroad after war</a>A source close to the deliberations told Iran International that the council had intended to respond quickly to the American offer. However, at the time, Khamenei could not be reached. The ceasefire decision was taken and conveyed without his knowledge.Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday (Jun 28) slammed US President Donald Trump for his "disrespectful and unacceptable" comments about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Trump, in a social media post, claimed that he had saved Khamenei from being assassinated, only to be met, in his view, with "ingratitude". Trump's latest comments, posted on his Truth Social platform, he claimed he knew the exact location of Khamenei during the US strikes and had prevented both Israeli and US forces from taking action against the Iranian supreme leader."I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH," Trump wrote in all caps, adding that Khamenei "does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'."“But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more,” Trump added, exhorting Iran to return to the negotiating table.Slamming Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X said that if the President of the United States (POTUS) was "genuine" about wanting a deal, he should "put aside" his "disrespectful and unacceptable tone".On Thursday (June 26), Khamenei delivered his first public address since the truce took effect. In a televised message, he claimed victory over Israel and said the United States had “gained nothing”.“The Zionist regime, with all its noise and claims, was nearly brought to its knees. The United States gained nothing and received a harsh slap in return,” he said.<h2>Trump warns, then softens tone after ceasefire</h2>Before the ceasefire was announced, Trump had warned that the US knew Khamenei’s location, calling him an “easy target”. He also said American patience was wearing thin. “Regime change takes chaos,” Trump said. “We don’t want to see so much chaos, so we’ll see how it does.” Trump also confirmed plans for new talks with Iran in the coming week, as Washington looks to restart stalled nuclear negotiations.

Iran on Saturday (Jun 28) slammed US President Donald Trump for his "disrespectful and unacceptable" comments about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was not involved in approving the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to a report by Iran International. The truce, reportedly proposed by US President Donald Trump, was approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian without consulting Khamenei. Also read: 'In return for yellowcake': Iran ready to send enriched uranium abroad after war A source close to the deliberations told Iran International that the council had intended to respond quickly to the American offer. However, at the time, Khamenei could not be reached. The ceasefire decision was taken and conveyed without his knowledge. Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday (Jun 28) slammed US President Donald Trump for his "disrespectful and unacceptable" comments about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump, in a social media post, claimed that he had saved Khamenei from being assassinated, only to be met, in his view, with "ingratitude". Trump's latest comments, posted on his Truth Social platform, he claimed he knew the exact location of Khamenei during the US strikes and had prevented both Israeli and US forces from taking action against the Iranian supreme leader. "I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH," Trump wrote in all caps, adding that Khamenei "does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'." “But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more,” Trump added, exhorting Iran to return to the negotiating table. Slamming Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X said that if the President of the United States (POTUS) was "genuine" about wanting a deal, he should "put aside" his "disrespectful and unacceptable tone". On Thursday (June 26), Khamenei delivered his first public address since the truce took effect. In a televised message, he claimed victory over Israel and said the United States had “gained nothing”. “The Zionist regime, with all its noise and claims, was nearly brought to its knees. The United States gained nothing and received a harsh slap in return,” he said. Trump warns, then softens tone after ceasefire Before the ceasefire was announced, Trump had warned that the US knew Khamenei’s location, calling him an “easy target”. He also said American patience was wearing thin. “Regime change takes chaos,” Trump said. “We don’t want to see so much chaos, so we’ll see how it does.” Trump also confirmed plans for new talks with Iran in the coming week, as Washington looks to restart stalled nuclear negotiations.

Iran on Saturday (Jun 28) slammed US President Donald Trump for his "disrespectful and unacceptable" comments about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Was Khamenei left out of Iran-Israel ceasefire? Report claims Tehran agreed to Trump's offer without consulting Supreme Leader

US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) warned Iran after Iranian Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's bold remarks against Trump as he claimed victory over US regime in Israel-Iran war. Trump lambasted Khamenei, warning that it will only get worse for them.The US president said that Iran is always so "angry, hostile, and unhappy". Further, describing what they have done to themselves, Trump said "look at what it has gotten them - burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them."In a post on Truth Social, Trump slammed Iran and Supreme Leader Khamenei for his statements made on Thursday, warning the US president.He further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR."Saved from 'ugly death'Trump stressed that he saved Khamenei form a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie."As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said.He continued that in the "final act of the war", Trump demanded Israel to bring back a very large group of planes, which were heading directly to Tehran for "perhaps the final knockout"."Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed. It was going to be the biggest attack of the War, by far. During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING!," he added.With even more frustration, the US president said, that, "Instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more."He pressed that Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, warning that things will only get worse for them.&nbsp;

Trump further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR."

US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) warned Iran after Iranian Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's bold remarks against Trump as he claimed victory over US regime in Israel-Iran war. Trump lambasted Khamenei, warning that it will only get worse for them. The US president said that Iran is always so "angry, hostile, and unhappy". Further, describing what they have done to themselves, Trump said "look at what it has gotten them - burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them." In a post on Truth Social, Trump slammed Iran and Supreme Leader Khamenei for his statements made on Thursday, warning the US president. He further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR." Saved from 'ugly death' Trump stressed that he saved Khamenei form a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war. Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie. "As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said. He continued that in the "final act of the war", Trump demanded Israel to bring back a very large group of planes, which were heading directly to Tehran for "perhaps the final knockout". "Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed. It was going to be the biggest attack of the War, by far. During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING!," he added. With even more frustration, the US president said, that, "Instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more." He pressed that Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, warning that things will only get worse for them.

Trump further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR."

'WILL ONLY GET WORSE': Trump's BIG WARNING to 'burned out' Iran after Khamenei claims victory over US regime

US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) stressed that he saved Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where the Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie."As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said.He continued that in the "final act of the war", Trump demanded Israel to bring back a very large group of planes, which were heading directly to Tehran for "perhaps the final knockout"."Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed. It was going to be the biggest attack of the War, by far. During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING!," he added.With even more frustration, the US president said, that, "Instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more."He pressed that Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, warning that things will only get worse for them.Further, explaining what Iran has become, Trump said that they are always "so angry, hostile, and unhappy, and look at what it has gotten them - A burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them."He further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR."

Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 27) stressed that he saved Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from a very "ugly and ignominious death", adding that he knew exactly where the Iranian leader was sheltered amid the continuous assassination threats from Israel during the 12-day Israel-Iran war. Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie. "As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. 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 U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"," the US president said. He continued that in the "final act of the war", Trump demanded Israel to bring back a very large group of planes, which were heading directly to Tehran for "perhaps the final knockout". "Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed. It was going to be the biggest attack of the War, by far. During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING!," he added. With even more frustration, the US president said, that, "Instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more." He pressed that Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, warning that things will only get worse for them. Further, explaining what Iran has become, Trump said that they are always "so angry, hostile, and unhappy, and look at what it has gotten them - A burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them." He further warned that it will "only get worse!", hoping that the leadership of Iran would realize that "you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR."

Calling him the "so-called Supreme Leader", Trump lambasted on Truth Social, saying that why would the Iranian leader so "blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel" when he knows that it is a lie.

'SAVED HIM FROM VERY UGLY, IGNOMINIOUS DEATH': Trump says he knew where Khamenei was hidden, warns 'it'll only get worse'

After a 12-day intensive war and a shaky ceasefire with Israel, Iran has now denied continuing its long-due nuclear talks with America. Speaking at an interview with the state TV on Thursday (June 26), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “I say explicitly that no agreement, arrangement or discussion has taken place regarding the initiation of new negotiations." "Some of the speculation about the resumption of negotiations should not be taken seriously," he added. Although there has not been any statement on this by the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. This came in contrast to the statement of US President Donald Trump, who said on Wednesday that Iran and the US would talk next week and “may” sign an agreement on the nuclear programme. &nbsp;The next week's talk would have been the first meeting since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel - which was later joined by Trump.&nbsp;Some of the prominent officials of Iran, including the Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian, have expressed the urgency of resuming the US-Iran talks; many others, including Argachi, have opposed it in the wake of the conflict.The strong statement by Arghachi came after the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, slammed Washington and accused the Trump administration of "betrayal" and negotiating in "bad faith." The Iranian foreign minister has also echoed the stance. Tehran made it clear that the recent joint military actions by Israel and the US targeting Iran's nuclear facilities have altered the landscape for any further round of talks.Tehran's refusal to further talks is a possible result of the accusation by the Islamic Republic that Washington is not a reliable negotiating partner. Khamenei pointed out the unreliability of the US after America targeted three nuke sites of Iran. Khamenei downplayed the damage from the strikes but called the attack American "arrogance."&nbsp;Trump drops bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordow, targets 2 other nuke sites&nbsp;After claiming that he was not planning to join Israel's military actions in Iran, US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday (June 22) that the US launched an aerial strike on Iran, targeting top nuclear facilities. America struck three key nuke sites of Iran - Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in its first intervention in the ongoing Israel-Iran war that started on June 13 after Israel struck Iran.&nbsp;In its strike on Iran's Fordow, the US used around 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs and weapons. Trump announced the US intervention in the war on social media after striking the nuclear facilities of Iran. The American president called the airstrikes a "very successful military operation" against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led Iran. Moreover, he said the objective of the strikes was the "destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror."&nbsp;How much damage has Iran faced&nbsp;As per the American news agency CBS News, US defence officials said that three American B-2 bombers were used to strike the Fordow nuclear site of Iran. Each of the B-2s was armed by 2 US-made "bunker-buster" bombs - also known as GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or MOPs bombs. These bombs are extremely heavy in weight and can only be dropped using a B-2.&nbsp;Iran's key nuke facility, Fordow, was attacked by the US. It is Iran's high-grade uranium enrichment facility and is buried around 300 feet under a mountain. Apart from this, Natanz and Isfahan, two other nuclear sites, were also targeted by the US via Tomahawk missiles launched by submarines.&nbsp;The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a social media post that there was "no increase in off-site radiation levels" after the US strike. Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation also confirmed the US attacks on its three nuclear facilities but said the strikes will not stop it from progressing in its nuclear program.&nbsp;The condition of Iran's nuke sites&nbsp;The US strike came after nine days of continuous bombing by Israel on Iran's top nuclear facilities. The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed Iran’s nuclear programme had been set back by two years - a claim thatTehran continues to deny. Moreover, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mahdi Mohammadi, said that nothing "exceptional" had happened after the US struck Iran.&nbsp;"From Iran's perspective, nothing exceptional had happened. Iran had been anticipating an attack on the Fordow site for several nights, and the site had been evacuated some time ago. Even if an attack had occurred, no irreparable damage had been recorded," he said.&nbsp;

After a 12-day intensive war and a shaky ceasefire with Israel, Iran has now denied continuing its long-due nuclear talks with America. Abbas Araghchi said there is that no agreement, arrangement or discussion has taken place regarding the initiation of new negotiations.

After a 12-day intensive war and a shaky ceasefire with Israel, Iran has now denied continuing its long-due nuclear talks with America. Speaking at an interview with the state TV on Thursday (June 26), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “I say explicitly that no agreement, arrangement or discussion has taken place regarding the initiation of new negotiations." "Some of the speculation about the resumption of negotiations should not be taken seriously," he added. Although there has not been any statement on this by the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. This came in contrast to the statement of US President Donald Trump, who said on Wednesday that Iran and the US would talk next week and “may” sign an agreement on the nuclear programme. The next week's talk would have been the first meeting since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel - which was later joined by Trump. Some of the prominent officials of Iran, including the Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian, have expressed the urgency of resuming the US-Iran talks; many others, including Argachi, have opposed it in the wake of the conflict. The strong statement by Arghachi came after the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, slammed Washington and accused the Trump administration of "betrayal" and negotiating in "bad faith." The Iranian foreign minister has also echoed the stance. Tehran made it clear that the recent joint military actions by Israel and the US targeting Iran's nuclear facilities have altered the landscape for any further round of talks. Tehran's refusal to further talks is a possible result of the accusation by the Islamic Republic that Washington is not a reliable negotiating partner. Khamenei pointed out the unreliability of the US after America targeted three nuke sites of Iran. Khamenei downplayed the damage from the strikes but called the attack American "arrogance." Trump drops bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordow, targets 2 other nuke sites After claiming that he was not planning to join Israel's military actions in Iran, US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday (June 22) that the US launched an aerial strike on Iran, targeting top nuclear facilities. America struck three key nuke sites of Iran - Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in its first intervention in the ongoing Israel-Iran war that started on June 13 after Israel struck Iran. In its strike on Iran's Fordow, the US used around 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs and weapons. Trump announced the US intervention in the war on social media after striking the nuclear facilities of Iran. The American president called the airstrikes a "very successful military operation" against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led Iran. Moreover, he said the objective of the strikes was the "destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror." How much damage has Iran faced As per the American news agency CBS News, US defence officials said that three American B-2 bombers were used to strike the Fordow nuclear site of Iran. Each of the B-2s was armed by 2 US-made "bunker-buster" bombs - also known as GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or MOPs bombs. These bombs are extremely heavy in weight and can only be dropped using a B-2. Iran's key nuke facility, Fordow, was attacked by the US. It is Iran's high-grade uranium enrichment facility and is buried around 300 feet under a mountain. Apart from this, Natanz and Isfahan, two other nuclear sites, were also targeted by the US via Tomahawk missiles launched by submarines. The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a social media post that there was "no increase in off-site radiation levels" after the US strike. Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation also confirmed the US attacks on its three nuclear facilities but said the strikes will not stop it from progressing in its nuclear program. The condition of Iran's nuke sites The US strike came after nine days of continuous bombing by Israel on Iran's top nuclear facilities. The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed Iran’s nuclear programme had been set back by two years - a claim that Tehran continues to deny. Moreover, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mahdi Mohammadi, said that nothing "exceptional" had happened after the US struck Iran. "From Iran's perspective, nothing exceptional had happened. Iran had been anticipating an attack on the Fordow site for several nights, and the site had been evacuated some time ago. Even if an attack had occurred, no irreparable damage had been recorded," he said.

After a 12-day intensive war and a shaky ceasefire with Israel, Iran has now denied continuing its long-due nuclear talks with America. Abbas Araghchi said, “I say explicitly that no agreement, arrangement or discussion has taken place regarding the initiation of new negotiations."

EXPLAINED: Why Ali Khamenei-led Iran backs off from its nuke talks with US

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as potential successors while hiding in a bunker in the face of assassination threats by Israel during the ongoing conflict. According to The New York Times, quoting three Iranian officials close to the development, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has started appointing successors to top generals who were assassinated in Israeli bombing raids.&nbsp;Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him – despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role. As reported by The New York Times, 86-year-old Khamenei is cognizant of the likelihood of being targeted by Israel or the United States for assassination -- something that would be perceived by him as martyrdom, Iranian officials say.&nbsp;In the light of this threat, Khamenei has gone the unusual route of instructing the Assembly of Experts – the clerical assembly responsible for choosing Iran's next supreme leader – to move quickly and pick a successor from among the three candidates he has nominated himself.&nbsp;Normally, the selection of a new supreme leader takes months with extensive deliberations and several candidates. But with the nation now engaged in war, officials told NYT that Khamenei wishes to facilitate a swift and orderly transition to protect both the Islamic Republic and his legacy. “The top priority is the preservation of the state,” NYT quoted Vali Nasr, a leading Iran expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, as saying. “It is all calculative and pragmatic,” Nasr added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships. In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state." Comparing the strength between both the gender, he highlighted, “Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy.”

Inside Khameneis bunker Succession planning amid Israels assassination threats Report

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as potential successors while hiding in a bunker in the face of assassination threats by Israel during the ongoing conflict. According to The New York Times, quoting three Iranian officials close to the development, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has started appointing successors to top generals who were assassinated in Israeli bombing raids. Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him – despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role. As reported by The New York Times, 86-year-old Khamenei is cognizant of the likelihood of being targeted by Israel or the United States for assassination -- something that would be perceived by him as martyrdom, Iranian officials say. In the light of this threat, Khamenei has gone the unusual route of instructing the Assembly of Experts – the clerical assembly responsible for choosing Iran's next supreme leader – to move quickly and pick a successor from among the three candidates he has nominated himself. Normally, the selection of a new supreme leader takes months with extensive deliberations and several candidates. But with the nation now engaged in war, officials told NYT that Khamenei wishes to facilitate a swift and orderly transition to protect both the Islamic Republic and his legacy. “The top priority is the preservation of the state,” NYT quoted Vali Nasr, a leading Iran expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, as saying. “It is all calculative and pragmatic,” Nasr added. Meanwhile, amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement. These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships. In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state." Comparing the strength between both the gender, he highlighted, “Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy.”

Under normal circumstances, the process of appointing a new supreme leader can take months, involving intense deliberations and multiple candidates

Inside Khamenei’s bunker: Succession planning amid Israel's assassination threats-Report

Amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement.These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ali-hosseini-khamenei-the-supreme-leader-of-iran-1750406418683">Who is Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran?</a>In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Man has a responsibility to understand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/woman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#woman</a>’s needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/emotional?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#emotional</a> state&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/379319220154413056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Comparing the strength between both the gender, he highlighted, "Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy." &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy. May 11, 2013&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/971470862187683840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I'm not into cinema and visual arts but when it comes to poetry and novels, I'm not just a typical audience," he added. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m not into cinema and visual arts but when it comes to poetry and novels, I&#39;m not just a typical audience. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Books?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Books</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvidReader?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvidReader</a>&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/570500575835455488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In an another post, Khamenei expressed his thoughts on a book that he read, which was written by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to understand the country's past. "Before studying "Glimpses of World History" by Mr. #Nehru I didn't know #India before colonization had undergone so many important #advances," he also said. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Before studying &quot;Glimpses of World History&quot; by Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nehru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nehru</a> I didn&#39;t know <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> before colonization had undergone so many important <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/advances?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#advances</a>&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/364809219112837120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Netizens React To Post</h3>“What a lovely Islamist you are, ” an user said.Other user stated, “The truly great rulers care for all their people's needs.”"i apologize, ayatollah khamenei, i was unfamiliar with your game," the next also said. Another wrote: "Born to be a lover, forced to be the supreme leader." The next also commented: "Ayatollah Khamenei is the first guy to be uncancelled after old tweets resurfaced." &nbsp;

Several old post of Supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has surfaced on social media showing liberal and feminist tone supporting for women’s rights.

Amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement. These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships. Also Read: Who is Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran? In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state."

Several old post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has surfaced on social media showing liberal and feminist tone supporting for women’s rights.

'Women are stronger than men': Khamenei’s old posts go viral amid Israel-Iran tensions

Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on June 18, rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s unconditional surrender. He also said that Israel had made a serious mistake by attacking Iran.&nbsp;In a message posted on X, Khamenei stated, “Those familiar with Iran’s history would never address this nation with threats, as the Iranian people will never surrender. The Americans must understand that any military intervention will inflict irreversible damage.”&nbsp;This is not the first time Khamenei has sent strong warnings to the US or highlighted the tense ties between the two countries. Khamenei, who became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989 after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death, has spent most of his life defending the ideals of the Iranian revolution.&nbsp;Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?&nbsp;Ali Khamenei was born in 1939 in Mashhad, a city in northern Iran. He was the second of eight children in a family. His father was a religious scholar. Following in his father’s footsteps, Khamenei studied religion in Qom between 1958 and 1964. He joined Ayatollah Khomeini’s movement against the Shah in 1962.&nbsp;Khamenei was jailed several times by the Shah’s government. He played an important role in the 1979 revolution and later became Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989. During this time, he led the country through the Iran-Iraq war. After Ayatollah Khomeini’s death, Khamenei became the Supreme Leader.&nbsp;In his early years, Khamenei was interested in both religious and intellectual ideas and often discussed these with thinkers from different backgrounds.&nbsp;When did Khamenei become Supreme Leader?&nbsp;Khamenei has been Iran’s top leader since 1989, after the death of the country’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini led Iran for ten years after overthrowing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Khomeini’s death, Khamenei was selected as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. Before that, he was president of Iran for eight years.

Khamenei has been Iran’s top leader since 1989, after the death of the country’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini led Iran for ten years after overthrowing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. 

Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on June 18, rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s unconditional surrender. He also said that Israel had made a serious mistake by attacking Iran. In a message posted on X, Khamenei stated, “Those familiar with Iran’s history would never address this nation with threats, as the Iranian people will never surrender. The Americans must understand that any military intervention will inflict irreversible damage.” This is not the first time Khamenei has sent strong warnings to the US or highlighted the tense ties between the two countries. Khamenei, who became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989 after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death, has spent most of his life defending the ideals of the Iranian revolution. Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Ali Khamenei was born in 1939 in Mashhad, a city in northern Iran. He was the second of eight children in a family. His father was a religious scholar. Following in his father’s footsteps, Khamenei studied religion in Qom between 1958 and 1964. He joined Ayatollah Khomeini’s movement against the Shah in 1962. Khamenei was jailed several times by the Shah’s government. He played an important role in the 1979 revolution and later became Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989. During this time, he led the country through the Iran-Iraq war. After Ayatollah Khomeini’s death, Khamenei became the Supreme Leader. In his early years, Khamenei was interested in both religious and intellectual ideas and often discussed these with thinkers from different backgrounds. When did Khamenei become Supreme Leader? Khamenei has been Iran’s top leader since 1989, after the death of the country’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini led Iran for ten years after overthrowing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. After Khomeini’s death, Khamenei was selected as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. Before that, he was president of Iran for eight years.

Khamenei has been Iran’s top leader since 1989, after the death of the country’s first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini led Iran for ten years after overthrowing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.&nbsp;

Who is Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran?

On 19 August 2013, the CIA officially acknowledged its role in the coup that removed Iran’s elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. 

On 19 August 2013, the CIA officially acknowledged its role in the coup that removed Iran’s elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.&nbsp;

History repeating? This is how US engineered Iran’s 1953 coup and why it still matters

At the heart of Iran’s resistance is Khamenei himself, yet very few are aware that the man commanding Iran’s defiance traces his roots back to India.

At the heart of Iran’s resistance is Khamenei himself, yet very few are aware that the man commanding Iran’s defiance traces his roots back to India.

Iran-Israel War: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s grandfather was linked to Uttar Pradesh? Here is what we know..

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a strong response to recent threats from the United States, saying, "Iran will not surrender," after US President Donald Trump demanded, "unconditional surrender." His comments, aired on state television on Wednesday (18 June), come amid rising tensions following deadly airstrikes between Iran and Israel.“Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” Khamenei said in a message read aloud on national TV.This was his first public statement since Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several senior Iranian commanders on 12 June.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-speech-donald-trump-1750240765362">'US strike will have serious consequences': Khamenei says 'Iran will not surrender' in first address after Israel's strike - Here what he said</a><h2>Khamenei warns of ‘irreparable damage’ if US intervenes</h2>The Iranian leader issued a clear warning to the United States, stating that any military action would have serious consequences.“The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” he warned.Khamenei’s statement appeared to be in direct response to comments made by US President Donald Trump a day earlier.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-tankers-moving-closer-warships-deployed-is-us-military-ready-to-enter-israel-iran-war-here-s-what-the-weapon-movement-suggest-1750184582699">'Tankers moving closer, warships deployed': Is US military ready to enter Israel-Iran war? Here's what the weapon movement suggest</a><h2>Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran</h2>On Tuesday (17 June), President Trump demanded that Iran surrender without conditions. He also revealed that the US intelligence community knows Khamenei’s exact location.“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote.His comments have heightened fears that the US could become directly involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel, something Tehran has repeatedly cautioned against.<h2>Israel-Iran war enters day six</h2>The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has now entered its sixth day, with both sides exchanging continuous air strikes. The hostilities began on Friday when Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was secretly working on a nuclear weapon, an allegation Iran firmly denies.So far, at least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to official figures.

This was his first public statement since Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several senior Iranian commanders and scientists on 12 June.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a strong response to recent threats from the United States, saying, "Iran will not surrender," after US President Donald Trump demanded, "unconditional surrender." His comments, aired on state television on Wednesday (18 June), come amid rising tensions following deadly airstrikes between Iran and Israel. “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” Khamenei said in a message read aloud on national TV. This was his first public statement since Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several senior Iranian commanders on 12 June. Also read: 'US strike will have serious consequences': Khamenei says 'Iran will not surrender' in first address after Israel's strike - Here what he said Khamenei warns of ‘irreparable damage’ if US intervenes The Iranian leader issued a clear warning to the United States, stating that any military action would have serious consequences. “The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” he warned. Khamenei’s statement appeared to be in direct response to comments made by US President Donald Trump a day earlier. Also read: 'Tankers moving closer, warships deployed': Is US military ready to enter Israel-Iran war? Here's what the weapon movement suggest Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran On Tuesday (17 June), President Trump demanded that Iran surrender without conditions. He also revealed that the US intelligence community knows Khamenei’s exact location. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote. His comments have heightened fears that the US could become directly involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel, something Tehran has repeatedly cautioned against. Israel-Iran war enters day six The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has now entered its sixth day, with both sides exchanging continuous air strikes. The hostilities began on Friday when Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was secretly working on a nuclear weapon, an allegation Iran firmly denies. So far, at least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to official figures.

This was his first public statement since Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several senior Iranian commanders and scientists on 12 June.

Israel-Iran war: Khamenei's four-word reply to Trump's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' warning - What did Iran's Supreme Leader say?

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (June 18) addressed the nation via a televised address, first after Israel's strike on Iran's nuclear facilities on Friday.Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The Zionist regime has committed a serious mistake and must prepare to face the consequences. Iran will neither forgive the breach of its airspace nor forget the blood of its martyrs.”"They should know that Iran will not surrender and any US strike will have serious, irreparable consequences," he said.He said that "wise people who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats, because Iranians are not those who surrender".“The Iranian nation will stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace, and this nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,” Tasnim news agency quotes him as saying.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-going-to-kill-khamenei-at-least-for-now-trump-warns-us-knows-where-iran-s-supreme-leader-is-hiding-but-rules-out-strike-1750178340493">'Not going to kill Khamenei, for now': Trump warns US knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding</a>Khamenei's statement comes after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 June) demanded a 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' and claimed that the United States knows the exact location of Khamenei but will not kill him, at least for now.“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.Multiple media reports circulating online claimed that Trump had recently turned down an Israeli proposal to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei.When asked about these reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that taking out Khamenei would not make the situation worse, but would end the conflict.“It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” he said, hinting that Israel has not ruled out taking out Iran's Supreme Leader.<h2>Israel-Iran war enters day six</h2>The latest round of hostilities between Israel and Iran entered its sixth day on Wednesday, as both countries continued exchanging heavy air strikes.The conflict began when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites on Friday. Israel claimed Iran is secretly developing a nuclear weapon, something which Tehran has consistently denied.At least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 people killed in Israel since the conflict started.

Khamenei's statement comes after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 June) demanded a 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' and claimed that the United States knows the exact location of Khamenei but will not kill him, at least for now.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday (June 18) addressed the nation via a televised address, first after Israel's strike on Iran's nuclear facilities on Friday. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The Zionist regime has committed a serious mistake and must prepare to face the consequences. Iran will neither forgive the breach of its airspace nor forget the blood of its martyrs.” "They should know that Iran will not surrender and any US strike will have serious, irreparable consequences," he said. He said that "wise people who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats, because Iranians are not those who surrender". “The Iranian nation will stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace, and this nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,” Tasnim news agency quotes him as saying. Also read: 'Not going to kill Khamenei, for now': Trump warns US knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding Khamenei's statement comes after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 June) demanded a 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' and claimed that the United States knows the exact location of Khamenei but will not kill him, at least for now. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Multiple media reports circulating online claimed that Trump had recently turned down an Israeli proposal to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei. When asked about these reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that taking out Khamenei would not make the situation worse, but would end the conflict. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” he said, hinting that Israel has not ruled out taking out Iran's Supreme Leader. Israel-Iran war enters day six The latest round of hostilities between Israel and Iran entered its sixth day on Wednesday, as both countries continued exchanging heavy air strikes. The conflict began when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites on Friday. Israel claimed Iran is secretly developing a nuclear weapon, something which Tehran has consistently denied. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 people killed in Israel since the conflict started.

Khamenei's statement comes after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 June) demanded a 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' and claimed that the United States knows the exact location of Khamenei but will not kill him, at least for now.

'US strike will have serious consequences': Khamenei says 'Iran will not surrender' in first address after Israel's strike - Here's what he said

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a strong warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, comparing his actions to those of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The comments were made during a high-level assessment with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) leadership.“I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launching missiles at Israeli civilians,” Katz said in a statement. “He would do well to remember the fate of the dictator in the country neighbouring Iran who chose this same path against the State of Israel,” he added, referring to Saddam Hussein, who was captured in 2003 and executed three years later.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-will-tel-aviv-lose-the-air-war-or-tehran-run-out-of-missiles-first-1750159544037">Israel-Iran war: Will Tel Aviv lose the air war, or Tehran run out&nbsp;of&nbsp;missiles first?</a>Katz also confirmed that Israel had struck the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran the day before. He warned that more sites linked to Iran’s civil regime may be targeted in upcoming operations.“We will continue today as well to act against regime and military targets in Tehran, just as we did yesterday against the propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority,” he said.<h2>Netanyahu says hitting Khamenei could ‘end the conflict’</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also addressed the possibility of targeting Khamenei directly. Speaking to ABC News, he said that such an action would not escalate tensions but rather bring the ongoing conflict to an end.“It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu said, referring to earlier reports that US President Donald Trump had avoided such action fearing it would provoke further violence.Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s leadership has been behind decades of instability across the Middle East. “We’ve had half a century of conflict spread by this regime that terrorises everyone in the Middle East… What Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression,” he stated.He continued, “We can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil.”<h2>Who was Saddam Hussein?</h2>Saddam Hussein was the fifth president of Iraq, ruling from 1979 until he was overthrown in 2003 during the US-led invasion. A controversial and often brutal leader, he maintained power through repression and conflict, including war with Iran and the invasion of Kuwait.<h2>What happened to him?</h2>Saddam Hussein was captured by American forces on 13 December 2003 while hiding in an underground bunker near his hometown of Tikrit. He was tried by the Iraqi Special Tribunal and found guilty of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shi’ites in Dujail in 1982.He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on 30 December 2006.

Katz also confirmed that Israel had struck the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran the day before. He warned that more sites linked to Iran’s civil regime may be targeted in upcoming operations.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a strong warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, comparing his actions to those of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The comments were made during a high-level assessment with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) leadership. “I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launching missiles at Israeli civilians,” Katz said in a statement. “He would do well to remember the fate of the dictator in the country neighbouring Iran who chose this same path against the State of Israel,” he added, referring to Saddam Hussein, who was captured in 2003 and executed three years later. Also read | Israel-Iran war: Will Tel Aviv lose the air war, or Tehran run out of missiles first? Katz also confirmed that Israel had struck the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran the day before. He warned that more sites linked to Iran’s civil regime may be targeted in upcoming operations. “We will continue today as well to act against regime and military targets in Tehran, just as we did yesterday against the propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority,” he said. Netanyahu says hitting Khamenei could ‘end the conflict’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also addressed the possibility of targeting Khamenei directly. Speaking to ABC News, he said that such an action would not escalate tensions but rather bring the ongoing conflict to an end. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu said, referring to earlier reports that US President Donald Trump had avoided such action fearing it would provoke further violence. Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s leadership has been behind decades of instability across the Middle East. “We’ve had half a century of conflict spread by this regime that terrorises everyone in the Middle East… What Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression,” he stated. He continued, “We can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil.” Who was Saddam Hussein? Saddam Hussein was the fifth president of Iraq, ruling from 1979 until he was overthrown in 2003 during the US-led invasion. A controversial and often brutal leader, he maintained power through repression and conflict, including war with Iran and the invasion of Kuwait. What happened to him? Saddam Hussein was captured by American forces on 13 December 2003 while hiding in an underground bunker near his hometown of Tikrit. He was tried by the Iraqi Special Tribunal and found guilty of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shi’ites in Dujail in 1982. He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on 30 December 2006.

Katz also confirmed that Israel had struck the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran the day before. He warned that more sites linked to Iran’s civil regime may be targeted in upcoming operations.

'Remember his fate': Israel warns Khamenei will end up like Saddam Hussein - Who was he and what happened to him?

Who is Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? In his increasingly rare appearances at Friday sermons, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei often kept a loaded gun by his side. The Islamic Republic's 86-year-old leader has good reasons to do so, particularly amid the current war with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn't kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead. Often reported to be living in bunkers, Khamenei has survived bids on his life in the past. So, who really is Khamenei? How did he rise to power in Iran? And who all want him dead? Here is a profile:<h2>Ali Khamenei, Iran's second supreme leader</h2>Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei&nbsp;has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, becoming only the second person to hold that post after the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini.&nbsp;This means he has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in present-day world. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, Khamenei is a so-called ‘Grand Ayatollah’. Born into the family of a modest Islamic scholar,&nbsp; Khamenei studied Islamic theology in Qom under prominent scholars, including Ruhollah Khomeini, his mentor.<h2>A political life dotted with protests, arrests, exile</h2>As a young man, Khamenei was active in protests against the Shah dynasty's rule, way back in the 1960s. He was arrested several times, and lived in exile for three years during the Shah's regime.&nbsp; His humble background, which included studying the religion, has informed his commitment to Islamic governance and his fight against Western influence.<h2>Confidant and inheritor of Khomeini's power</h2>After the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei became a close confidant of Khomeini. He rose through the ranks in the clergy-government nexus of Iran.&nbsp; Since the Revolution, Khomenei held important posts, such as the deputy defence minister in the provisional revolutionary government. He was also the Supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards or IRGC and oversaw the parallel military's early operations.<h2>Rise through the ranks: From president to Supreme Leader</h2>In 1980, Khomeini appointed him as Tehran’s Friday Prayers Imam, &nbsp;a key post in Iran with significant religious and political import. He was elected a parliamentarian in 1980, representing &nbsp;Tehran in the Majlis. A year later, he was elected the President of Iran after the assassination of then president Mohammad Ali Rajai, and went on to serve two terms till 1989. &nbsp;After the death of Khomeini in 1989, he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the Supreme Leader of Iran.&nbsp;Thus, the son of a simple Islamic scholar became the ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military, social and religious life. Over the years, Khamanei served in several other important positions in Iran, including as the&nbsp; chairman of the Revolution’s Cultural Council, President of the Expediency Council, and Chairman of the Committee for Revision of the Constitution.<h2>Survivor of assassination attempts</h2>Much of the hagiography around Khamenei is about his survival of assassination attempts. While several of the attempts are either unreported or underplayed in Iran, two of them stand out.&nbsp;Perhaps the most prominent is the bid on his life in 1981.<h2>The Friday prayer bomb attack</h2>On 27 June 1981, Khamenei was at a Friday sermon at Abuzar Mosque in Tehran when a bomb exploded near him. &nbsp;The bomb, hidden in a tape recorder, severely injured Khamenei, leaving him permanently paralysed in his right arm. The blast also damaged his vocal cords and lungs. After months in the hospital, Khamenei came back to the limelight. The assassination attempt and survival made him almost a demigod for his supporters.<h2>Attack at Tehran University</h2>An almost similar attack took place on 15 March 1985 in Tehran University, again during Friday prayers. This time, it was a suicide bomber.&nbsp;Khamenei, who was president at the time, escaped unharmed, even as several people died in the blast.&nbsp; &nbsp;Khamenei continued in office, but this time, he began a crackdown on opposition groups. &nbsp;There have been other reported attempts on the life of Khamenei, including a drone attack in 2022.&nbsp;<h2>Who all wanted him dead?</h2>The opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq or MEK was the 1981 attack perpetrators, according to Iran’s official narrative. For the 1985 attack, no group has been named officially, but the needle of suspicion still pointed to MEK. &nbsp;Over the past two decades, Israel has been among the main adversaries who wanted Khamenei dead. In the first hours of its attacks on Iran this month, Israel reportedly targeted Khamenei's residence or nearby areas.&nbsp; He is reportedly sheltering in a bunker. And Israel is closing in. Iran’s military leaders and Khamenei's top advisor Ali Shamkhani are among those killed in Israel’s initial wave of airstrikes on June 13. With several top names in his inner circle gone, Khamenei, one of the longest-serving leaders of West Asia, is looking more vulnerable than ever.&nbsp; But will he weather this storm too? Watch this space.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead

Who is Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? In his increasingly rare appearances at Friday sermons, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei often kept a loaded gun by his side. The Islamic Republic's 86-year-old leader has good reasons to do so, particularly amid the current war with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn't kept it a secret that he would like Khamenei dead. Often reported to be living in bunkers, Khamenei has survived bids on his life in the past. So, who really is Khamenei? How did he rise to power in Iran? And who all want him dead? Here is a profile: Ali Khamenei, Iran's second supreme leader Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, becoming only the second person to hold that post after the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini. This means he has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in present-day world. Born on April 19, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran, Khamenei is a so-called ‘Grand Ayatollah’. Born into the family of a modest Islamic scholar, Khamenei studied Islamic theology in Qom under prominent scholars, including Ruhollah Khomeini, his mentor. A political life dotted with protests, arrests, exile As a young man, Khamenei was active in protests against the Shah dynasty's rule, way back in the 1960s. He was arrested several times, and lived in exile for three years during the Shah's regime. His humble background, which included studying the religion, has informed his commitment to Islamic governance and his fight against Western influence. Confidant and inheritor of Khomeini's power After the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei became a close confidant of Khomeini. He rose through the ranks in the clergy-government nexus of Iran. Since the Revolution, Khomenei held important posts, such as the deputy defence minister in the provisional revolutionary government. He was also the Supervisor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards or IRGC and oversaw the parallel military's early operations. Rise through the ranks: From president to Supreme Leader In 1980, Khomeini appointed him as Tehran’s Friday Prayers Imam, a key post in Iran with significant religious and political import. He was elected a parliamentarian in 1980, representing Tehran in the Majlis. A year later, he was elected the President of Iran after the assassination of then president Mohammad Ali Rajai, and went on to serve two terms till 1989. After the death of Khomeini in 1989, he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Thus, the son of a simple Islamic scholar became the ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military, social and religious life. Over the years, Khamanei served in several other important positions in Iran, including as the chairman of the Revolution’s Cultural Council, President of the Expediency Council, and Chairman of the Committee for Revision of the Constitution. Survivor of assassination attempts Much of the hagiography around Khamenei is about his survival of assassination attempts. While several of the attempts are either unreported or underplayed in Iran, two of them stand out. Perhaps the most prominent is the bid on his life in 1981. The Friday prayer bomb attack On 27 June 1981, Khamenei was at a Friday sermon at Abuzar Mosque in Tehran when a bomb exploded near him. The bomb, hidden in a tape recorder, severely injured Khamenei, leaving him permanently paralysed in his right arm. The blast also damaged his vocal cords and lungs. After months in the hospital, Khamenei came back to the limelight. The assassination attempt and survival made him almost a demigod for his supporters. Attack at Tehran University An almost similar attack took place on 15 March 1985 in Tehran University, again during Friday prayers. This time, it was a suicide bomber. Khamenei, who was president at the time, escaped unharmed, even as several people died in the blast. Khamenei continued in office, but this time, he began a crackdown on opposition groups. There have been other reported attempts on the life of Khamenei, including a drone attack in 2022. Who all wanted him dead? The opposition group Mojahedin-e Khalq or MEK was the 1981 attack perpetrators, according to Iran’s official narrative. For the 1985 attack, no group has been named officially, but the needle of suspicion still pointed to MEK. Over the past two decades, Israel has been among the main adversaries who wanted Khamenei dead. In the first hours of its attacks on Iran this month, Israel reportedly targeted Khamenei's residence or nearby areas. He is reportedly sheltering in a bunker. And Israel is closing in. Iran’s military leaders and Khamenei's top advisor Ali Shamkhani are among those killed in Israel’s initial wave of airstrikes on June 13. With several top names in his inner circle gone, Khamenei, one of the longest-serving leaders of West Asia, is looking more vulnerable than ever. But will he weather this storm too? Watch this space.

&nbsp;Khamenei has been in power for 36 years, making him one of the oldest heads of state in the present world. No small feat, given who all wanted him dead &nbsp;

Israel wants to kill Ali Khamenei but he's survived assassination bids in the past. Who wanted Iran Supreme Leader dead? A profile

US President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to kill Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the last two days, Reuters reported citing two US officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;The officials, on the condition of anonymity, said that the Israeli forces were planning to kill the Iranian leader, but Trump vetoed it.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership," a senior US administration official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since the war began between Israel and Iran, Trump has been in constant contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Sunday, during an interview, Fox News host asked Israeli PM Netanyahu about the report, to which, he responded that he’s not going to get into that.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also said that Israel does what it needs to do, adding that the US knows what is good for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I'm not going to get into that. But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we'll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,” the Israeli PM said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Netanyahu also said that the change of regime in Iran could be a result of Israel’s military strikes on Tehran.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also suggested that Israel has killed Iran's intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi in an aerial attack, as the arch-foes ramp up their conflict.&nbsp;"Moments ago, we also got the chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran," Netanyahu told Fox News, adding, "Our brave pilots are over the skies of Tehran, and we're targeting military sites, nuclear sites."&nbsp;During the interview, Netanyahu also claimed that Iran tried to assassinate US President Donald Trump twice, adding that he is their “number one enemy”.&nbsp;"Do you want these people to have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to your cities?" the Israeli PM said. "Of course not. "So we're defending ourselves, but we're also defending the world."&nbsp;Further, he also said that Iran tried to kill him too, calling himself Trump’s junior partner.

The officials, on the condition of anonymity, said that the Israeli forces were planning to kill the Iranian leader, but Trump vetoed it.

US President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to kill Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the last two days, Reuters reported citing two US officials. The officials, on the condition of anonymity, said that the Israeli forces were planning to kill the Iranian leader, but Trump vetoed it. “Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership," a senior US administration official said. Since the war began between Israel and Iran, Trump has been in constant contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, during an interview, Fox News host asked Israeli PM Netanyahu about the report, to which, he responded that he’s not going to get into that. He also said that Israel does what it needs to do, adding that the US knows what is good for them. There are so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I'm not going to get into that. But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we'll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,” the Israeli PM said. Netanyahu also said that the change of regime in Iran could be a result of Israel’s military strikes on Tehran. He also suggested that Israel has killed Iran's intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi in an aerial attack, as the arch-foes ramp up their conflict. "Moments ago, we also got the chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran," Netanyahu told Fox News, adding, "Our brave pilots are over the skies of Tehran, and we're targeting military sites, nuclear sites." During the interview, Netanyahu also claimed that Iran tried to assassinate US President Donald Trump twice, adding that he is their “number one enemy”. "Do you want these people to have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to your cities?" the Israeli PM said. "Of course not. "So we're defending ourselves, but we're also defending the world." Further, he also said that Iran tried to kill him too, calling himself Trump’s junior partner.

The officials, on the condition of anonymity, said that the Israeli forces were planning to kill the Iranian leader, but Trump vetoed it.

Israel tried to kill Iranian leader, but Trump intervened - Here's what Netanyahu said about it

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (June 14) that recent airstrikes on Iran have caused significant setbacks to the country’s nuclear ambitions and defence infrastructure.<h2>‘We hit the nuclear scientists too,’ says Netanyahu</h2>In a video message, Netanyahu said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had inflicted “serious damage” on Iran’s nuclear programme, claiming the strikes hit both facilities and senior personnel.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-what-is-israel-s-aerial-freedom-of-action-tel-aviv-warns-tehran-is-no-longer-immune-to-strikes-1749913587249">What is Israel's ‘aerial freedom of action’? Tel Aviv warns 'Tehran is no longer immune to strikes'</a>“We also hit the team of senior scientists who are leading these projects,” he said, adding that the attacks had “delayed Iran’s nuclear program for several years.”The prime minister also warned that more attacks were coming. “Very soon, you will see IAF planes above Tehran’s skies. We will hit every target of the ayatollahs’ regime,” he said, describing the current strikes as “nothing compared to what will be experienced in the coming days.”<h2>‘Tehran will burn,’ warns Israeli defence minister</h2>Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the Iranian regime would face severe consequences if missile attacks on Israel continued.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-is-israel-s-biggest-supporter-iran-says-nuclear-talks-now-meaningless-after-barbaric-strikes-on-tehran-1749906954659">‘US is Israel’s biggest supporter’: Iran says nuclear talks now ‘meaningless’ after ‘barbaric’ strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tehran</a>“The Iranian dictator is taking the citizens of Iran hostage,” Katz said. “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”Katz accused Iran of endangering its own civilians and added that Tehran’s residents would “pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel’s citizens.”<h2>Israeli airstrikes target Tehran’s missile defences</h2>The Israeli military confirmed that its air force struck dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including Iran’s surface-to-air missile infrastructure.These strikes were described as part of efforts to weaken Iran’s aerial defence capabilities. “Overnight, the IAF struck dozens of targets… as part of the effort to damage the Iranian regime’s aerial defence capabilities in the area of Tehran,” the military said in a statement.In response, Iran launched a new wave of missiles early on Saturday. State television reported the strikes under the banner of “Honest Promise 3”, a continuation of its military operation against Israel.The Israeli military reported incoming missiles and activated air defence systems. In the Tel Aviv area, 34 people were injured, most with minor wounds. Police later confirmed one fatality. On Saturday, reports emerged that another person had died and 19 more were injured after a direct Iranian strike in central Israel.<h2>Escalation follows deadly Israeli strike on Iran</h2>The back-and-forth attacks followed an Israeli strike on 13 June that hit multiple nuclear and military targets in Iran. Four senior Iranian military officers, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Major General Hossein Salami, were killed.Iranian media reported that 78 civilians, including women and children, were also killed. Among them were six nuclear scientists. Dozens more were wounded.

In a video message, Netanyahu said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had inflicted “serious damage” on Iran’s nuclear programme, claiming the strikes hit both facilities and senior personnel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (June 14) that recent airstrikes on Iran have caused significant setbacks to the country’s nuclear ambitions and defence infrastructure. ‘We hit the nuclear scientists too,’ says Netanyahu In a video message, Netanyahu said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had inflicted “serious damage” on Iran’s nuclear programme, claiming the strikes hit both facilities and senior personnel. Also read: What is Israel's ‘aerial freedom of action’? Tel Aviv warns 'Tehran is no longer immune to strikes' “We also hit the team of senior scientists who are leading these projects,” he said, adding that the attacks had “delayed Iran’s nuclear program for several years.” The prime minister also warned that more attacks were coming. “Very soon, you will see IAF planes above Tehran’s skies. We will hit every target of the ayatollahs’ regime,” he said, describing the current strikes as “nothing compared to what will be experienced in the coming days.” ‘Tehran will burn,’ warns Israeli defence minister Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the Iranian regime would face severe consequences if missile attacks on Israel continued. Also read: ‘US is Israel’s biggest supporter’: Iran says nuclear talks now ‘meaningless’ after ‘barbaric’ strikes on Tehran “The Iranian dictator is taking the citizens of Iran hostage,” Katz said. “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.” Katz accused Iran of endangering its own civilians and added that Tehran’s residents would “pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel’s citizens.” Israeli airstrikes target Tehran’s missile defences The Israeli military confirmed that its air force struck dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including Iran’s surface-to-air missile infrastructure. These strikes were described as part of efforts to weaken Iran’s aerial defence capabilities. “Overnight, the IAF struck dozens of targets… as part of the effort to damage the Iranian regime’s aerial defence capabilities in the area of Tehran,” the military said in a statement. In response, Iran launched a new wave of missiles early on Saturday. State television reported the strikes under the banner of “Honest Promise 3”, a continuation of its military operation against Israel. The Israeli military reported incoming missiles and activated air defence systems. In the Tel Aviv area, 34 people were injured, most with minor wounds. Police later confirmed one fatality. On Saturday, reports emerged that another person had died and 19 more were injured after a direct Iranian strike in central Israel. Escalation follows deadly Israeli strike on Iran The back-and-forth attacks followed an Israeli strike on 13 June that hit multiple nuclear and military targets in Iran. Four senior Iranian military officers, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Major General Hossein Salami, were killed. Iranian media reported that 78 civilians, including women and children, were also killed. Among them were six nuclear scientists. Dozens more were wounded.

In a video message, Netanyahu said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had inflicted “serious damage” on Iran’s nuclear programme, claiming the strikes hit both facilities and senior personnel.

‘Very soon, IAF jets over Tehran’: Netanyahu issues fresh WARNING for Iran, says will hit every target of 'Ayatollahs’ regime'

Saudi Arabia Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is in Tehran, he met Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday. During their interaction, he delivered a letter from his father, King Salman.
It is after almost a two decades that Khamenei has received a Saudi official, the last visit was since in 2006, that is when the then-Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal visited the country.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-saudi-arabia-slash-indias-private-hajj-quota-by-80-jk-leaders-urge-mea-pm-to-intervene-8961447">Did Saudi Arabia &lsquo;slash&rsquo; India's private Hajj quota by 80%? J&amp;K leaders urge MEA, PM to intervene</a>
Khamenei also expressed support and shared intentions for closer ties between the two countries.
&ldquo;We believe that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries, and the two countries can complement each other,&rdquo; Khamenei was quoted in Iran&rsquo;s state news agency IRNA .
He added, &ldquo;It is much better for brothers in the region to cooperate and help each other than to rely on others."
&ldquo;Bilateral relations between the two countries were reviewed and issues and topics of common interest were discussed," Saudi state news agency SPA published.
Prince Khalid also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and chief of staff of the armed forces Mohammad Bagheri.
&ldquo;Iran and Saudi Arabia can resolve many of the region&rsquo;s problems by relying on their joint capacities and without the need for foreign intervention,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said during his meeting with the Saudi defense chief, according to IRNA.
"Ties between the Saudi and Iranian armed forces have been improving since the Beijing agreement," Mohammad Bagheri said after meeting Prince Khalid, according to IRNA
It was in March 2023, that Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they had reached an agreement, brokered by China. It was an agreement to reestablish diplomatic relations. This was after having not formal ties for seven years.
In 2016, Saudi Arabia had severed ties with Iran. The decision was taken after attacks by pro-regime protesters on its consulate in Mashhad and embassy in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is in Tehran, he met Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday. World

Saudi Arabia Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is in Tehran, he met Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday. During their interaction, he delivered a letter from his father, King Salman. It is after almost a two decades that Khamenei has received a Saudi official, the last visit was since in 2006, that is when the then-Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal visited the country. Also read: Did Saudi Arabia ‘slash’ India's private Hajj quota by 80%? J&K leaders urge MEA, PM to intervene Khamenei also expressed support and shared intentions for closer ties between the two countries. “We believe that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries, and the two countries can complement each other,” Khamenei was quoted in Iran’s state news agency IRNA . He added, “It is much better for brothers in the region to cooperate and help each other than to rely on others." “Bilateral relations between the two countries were reviewed and issues and topics of common interest were discussed," Saudi state news agency SPA published. Prince Khalid also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and chief of staff of the armed forces Mohammad Bagheri. “Iran and Saudi Arabia can resolve many of the region’s problems by relying on their joint capacities and without the need for foreign intervention,” Pezeshkian said during his meeting with the Saudi defense chief, according to IRNA. "Ties between the Saudi and Iranian armed forces have been improving since the Beijing agreement," Mohammad Bagheri said after meeting Prince Khalid, according to IRNA It was in March 2023, that Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they had reached an agreement, brokered by China. It was an agreement to reestablish diplomatic relations. This was after having not formal ties for seven years. In 2016, Saudi Arabia had severed ties with Iran. The decision was taken after attacks by pro-regime protesters on its consulate in Mashhad and embassy in Tehran.

Saudi Prince delivers father King Salman's letter to Iran's Khamenei. What does it mean?

Tensions in the Middle East are heating up, and all eyes are on Iran. With radar systems going online, Khamenei's mouthpiece demanding 'bullets in Trump's empty skull' and Tehran sending military warnings, the question is: Is Iran preparing for war with the United States?
<h2>'Locked and loaded': Radar upgrades</h2>
Iran has been beefing up its defences. Open-source analysts have flagged a major expansion of the country&rsquo;s Ghadir radar network, a system built to spot incoming aircraft, drones, and missiles from long distances. These radars are now being seen in critical regions, from Tabriz in the northwest to the Persian Gulf coastline. This raises the question: Is Iran bracing for a possible strike?
<h2>Khamenei sounds the alarm</h2>
According to Reuters, Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the country&rsquo;s armed forces onto high alert. The directive reportedly comes in response to threats from US President Donald Trump, suggesting that things could escalate quickly.
Adding to the tensions, Iran has warned its Gulf neighbours, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, not to assist the US militarily. Even just allowing the US to use their airspace could be seen as an act of war, officials said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-arrives-in-washington-to-discuss-tariffs-gaza-and-iran-with-us-president-trump-8935993" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israeli PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington to discuss tariffs, Gaza and Iran with US President Trump</a>
"Such an act will have severe consequences for them," one Iranian source warned.
This comes after Trump's warning of intense bombing on Iran if it did not back down on its nuclear agenda. "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," Trump said. "But there's a chance that if they don't make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago," Trump added.
<h2>Talks? Maybe</h2>
Despite the tensions, Iran isn&rsquo;t completely shutting the door on diplomacy. Direct talks with Washington remain off the table, but indirect communication through Oman, a long-time neutral player, is still a possibility.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran,&rdquo; said one unnamed Iranian official. But for any real breakthrough, Tehran insists Trump must ditch his &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-diplomat-rejects-offer-for-direct-nuclear-talks-with-us-calls-it-meaningless-8932101" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Iran&rsquo;s top diplomat rejects offer for direct nuclear talks with US, calls it &lsquo;meaningless&rsquo;</a>
<h2>The threat heard around the world</h2>
Iran&rsquo;s Kayhan newspaper, often described as the mouthpiece of Khamenei himself, published an article that made global headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a line aimed at Trump, the paper wrote, "He&rsquo;s way out of line! Any day now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his, and he&rsquo;ll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-making-unwise-threats-says-tehran-will-inflict-a-blow-8848103" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Iran will retaliate&rsquo;: Khamenei warns Trump against making &lsquo;unwise&rsquo; threats, says &lsquo;will inflict a blow&rsquo;</a>
Kayhan added, "He makes threats and then backs down! The result? The situation in America gets worse by the day. Just yesterday, it was announced that his actions have caused $3 trillion in damage to the US economy, American exports are facing serious problems, and top officials in the military, CIA, and elsewhere have either resigned or been dismissed."
So, is Iran preparing for war with the US? No one knows for sure, but the pieces are being moved into place.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-bombing-like-never-before-trump-threatens-iran-with-strikes-tariffs-over-nuclear-deal-refusal-8907621" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal</a>

World: With radar systems going online, Khamenei's mouthpiece demanding 'bullets in Trump's empty skull' and Tehran sending military warnings, the question is: Is Iran preparing for war with the United States? Middle East

Tensions in the Middle East are heating up, and all eyes are on Iran. With radar systems going online, Khamenei's mouthpiece demanding 'bullets in Trump's empty skull' and Tehran sending military warnings, the question is: Is Iran preparing for war with the United States? 'Locked and loaded': Radar upgrades Iran has been beefing up its defences. Open-source analysts have flagged a major expansion of the country’s Ghadir radar network, a system built to spot incoming aircraft, drones, and missiles from long distances. These radars are now being seen in critical regions, from Tabriz in the northwest to the Persian Gulf coastline. This raises the question: Is Iran bracing for a possible strike? Khamenei sounds the alarm According to Reuters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the country’s armed forces onto high alert. The directive reportedly comes in response to threats from US President Donald Trump, suggesting that things could escalate quickly. Adding to the tensions, Iran has warned its Gulf neighbours, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, not to assist the US militarily. Even just allowing the US to use their airspace could be seen as an act of war, officials said. Also read: Israeli PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington to discuss tariffs, Gaza and Iran with US President Trump "Such an act will have severe consequences for them," one Iranian source warned. This comes after Trump's warning of intense bombing on Iran if it did not back down on its nuclear agenda. "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," Trump said. "But there's a chance that if they don't make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago," Trump added. Talks? Maybe Despite the tensions, Iran isn’t completely shutting the door on diplomacy. Direct talks with Washington remain off the table, but indirect communication through Oman, a long-time neutral player, is still a possibility. “There’s a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran,” said one unnamed Iranian official. But for any real breakthrough, Tehran insists Trump must ditch his “maximum pressure” campaign. Also read: Iran’s top diplomat rejects offer for direct nuclear talks with US, calls it ‘meaningless’ The threat heard around the world Iran’s Kayhan newspaper, often described as the mouthpiece of Khamenei himself, published an article that made global headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a line aimed at Trump, the paper wrote, "He’s way out of line! Any day now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his, and he’ll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death." Also read: ‘Iran will retaliate’: Khamenei warns Trump against making ‘unwise’ threats, says ‘will inflict a blow’ Kayhan added, "He makes threats and then backs down! The result? The situation in America gets worse by the day. Just yesterday, it was announced that his actions have caused $3 trillion in damage to the US economy, American exports are facing serious problems, and top officials in the military, CIA, and elsewhere have either resigned or been dismissed." So, is Iran preparing for war with the US? No one knows for sure, but the pieces are being moved into place. Also read: 'There will be bombing like never before': Trump threatens Iran with strikes, tariffs over nuclear deal refusal

Is Iran preparing for war with the US? Khamenei's mouthpiece calls for ‘bullets in Trump’s skull’ as radar systems go live

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday (March 7) that action against Iran could be imminent, saying that "something is going to happen very soon."
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details.
"We&rsquo;re down to final strokes with Iran. That&rsquo;s going to be an interesting time, and we&rsquo;ll see what happens," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-ukraine-is-yesterdays-afghan-did-irans-khamenei-predict-us-treatment-of-zelensky-3-years-back-8769497">'Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;back?</a>
Repeating his stance on Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We&rsquo;re down to final moments. We&rsquo;re at final moments. We can&rsquo;t let them have a nuclear weapon."
"It&rsquo;s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something&rsquo;s going to happen very soon &ndash; very, very soon," Trump said.
Despite hinting at possible military action, he also spoke of a diplomatic solution. "Hopefully, we can have a peace deal. I&rsquo;m not speaking out of strength or weakness; I&rsquo;m just saying I&rsquo;d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem," he said, without clarifying what "the other" referred to.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-difficult-to-deal-with-ukraine-trump-complains-about-zelensky-says-easier-to-deal-with-russia-8832284">'More difficult to deal with Ukraine': Trump complains about Zelensky, says easier to deal with Russia</a>
<h2>Trump's letter to Iran</h2>
Trump also revealed on Friday that he had sent a letter to Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. However, Tehran has insisted it will not engage in talks unless the US lifts its "maximum pressure" sanctions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-era-dei-ban-triggers-pentagon-to-delete-historic-wwii-photo-of-gay-plane-heres-why-8832262">Trump-era DEI ban triggers Pentagon to delete historic WWII photo of 'gay' plane: Here&rsquo;s why</a>
"I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon."
<h2>Iran denies receiving letter</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations also told AFP, "We have not received such a letter so far."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impossible-to-trade-with-india-but-us-president-donald-trump-criticises-indias-high-tariffs-again-8832319">&lsquo;Impossible to trade with India, but...&rsquo;: Trump criticises India&rsquo;s high tariffs again</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Repeating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We’re down to final moments. We’re at final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon."

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday (March 7) that action against Iran could be imminent, saying that "something is going to happen very soon." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "There will be some interesting days ahead, that's all I can tell you." He did not provide specific details. "We’re down to final strokes with Iran. That’s going to be an interesting time, and we’ll see what happens," he said. Also read: 'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back? Repeating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump added, "We’re down to final moments. We’re at final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon." "It’s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon – very, very soon," Trump said. Despite hinting at possible military action, he also spoke of a diplomatic solution. "Hopefully, we can have a peace deal. I’m not speaking out of strength or weakness; I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem," he said, without clarifying what "the other" referred to. Also read: 'More difficult to deal with Ukraine': Trump complains about Zelensky, says easier to deal with Russia Trump's letter to Iran Trump also revealed on Friday that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging the country to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme. However, Tehran has insisted it will not engage in talks unless the US lifts its "maximum pressure" sanctions. Also read: Trump-era DEI ban triggers Pentagon to delete historic WWII photo of 'gay' plane: Here’s why "I've written them a letter, saying I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," he said. "You can't let them have a nuclear weapon." Iran denies receiving letter Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations also told AFP, "We have not received such a letter so far." Also read: ‘Impossible to trade with India, but...’: Trump criticises India’s high tariffs again (With inputs from agencies)

'Final strokes': Trump hints at 'final moments' with Iran after his letter to Khamenei 'gets lost in mail'

Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Saturday (March 01) reacted to the dramatic meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, which erupted into a heated confrontation at the White House.
Taking to X on Saturday, Khamenei criticised Western backing for certain governments, calling it an illusion. "The first lesson from the situation in Ukraine is that the support of Western states for countries and governments that are their puppets is a mirage. All governments must understand this. Those governments that rely on the USA and Europe should look at Ukraine's current situation," he wrote.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-stolen-our-content-gaza-ai-video-creators-accuse-us-prez-says-no-idea-how-it-reached-white-house-8769417" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Trump has stolen our content': Gaza AI video creators accuse US prez, says no idea how it reached White House</a>
He also reshared a post from three years ago, which read, "#Ukraine&rsquo;s situation has two important lessons. Governments that rely on the US &amp; Europe should know their support is a #mirage and not real. Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s #Afghanistan. Both countries&rsquo; presidents said they relied on US &amp; Western govts but were left alone."
<h2>What led to the confrontation between Trump and Zelensky?</h2>
Zelensky had travelled to Washington for discussions on a mineral deal, which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump</a> has described as a key step towards a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. However, the meeting quickly unravelled after Zelensky suggested that JD Vance should visit Ukraine to witness the destruction firsthand and insisted that Russia was to blame for the ongoing war.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tried-to-use-zelensky-against-biden-but-it-backfired-what-fueled-his-anger-towards-terrible-ukraine-8769285" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump tried to use Zelensky against Biden but&nbsp;it&nbsp;backfired&nbsp;-&nbsp;What fueled his anger towards 'terrible'&nbsp;Ukraine</a>
During the public segment of the meeting, Trump and Vance repeatedly criticised Zelenskyy, with Vance accusing him of engaging in &ldquo;publicity tours.&rdquo; Trump bluntly told the Ukrainian leader, &ldquo;You&rsquo;re not really in a good position right now.&rdquo; At one point, Vance demanded, &ldquo;Have you said thank you once?&rdquo;
The situation escalated when Trump delivered an ultimatum, &ldquo;Make a deal or we are out,&rdquo; hinting that the US might walk away from negotiations and cut support for Kyiv.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-shadow-over-future-of-hostages-as-phase-one-ends-with-no-deal-between-israel-hamas-8769223">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas ready to complete 'remaining stages' of truce, Israel yet to strike a deal</a>
The meeting, which was supposed to continue behind closed doors, was abruptly cut short after the heated exchange. Zelenskyy left the White House early, and a scheduled press conference to announce the minerals deal was cancelled.
(With inputs from agencies)

Taking to X on Saturday, Khamenei criticised Western backing for certain governments, calling it an illusion, adding, "The support of Western states for countries and governments that are their puppets is a mirage." World

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Saturday (March 01) reacted to the dramatic meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, which erupted into a heated confrontation at the White House. Taking to X on Saturday, Khamenei criticised Western backing for certain governments, calling it an illusion. "The first lesson from the situation in Ukraine is that the support of Western states for countries and governments that are their puppets is a mirage. All governments must understand this. Those governments that rely on the USA and Europe should look at Ukraine's current situation," he wrote. Also read: 'Trump has stolen our content': Gaza AI video creators accuse US prez, says no idea how it reached White House He also reshared a post from three years ago, which read, "#Ukraine’s situation has two important lessons. Governments that rely on the US & Europe should know their support is a #mirage and not real. Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s #Afghanistan. Both countries’ presidents said they relied on US & Western govts but were left alone." What led to the confrontation between Trump and Zelensky? Zelensky had travelled to Washington for discussions on a mineral deal, which Trump has described as a key step towards a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. However, the meeting quickly unravelled after Zelensky suggested that JD Vance should visit Ukraine to witness the destruction firsthand and insisted that Russia was to blame for the ongoing war. Also read: Trump tried to use Zelensky against Biden but it backfired - What fueled his anger towards 'terrible' Ukraine During the public segment of the meeting, Trump and Vance repeatedly criticised Zelenskyy, with Vance accusing him of engaging in “publicity tours.” Trump bluntly told the Ukrainian leader, “You’re not really in a good position right now.” At one point, Vance demanded, “Have you said thank you once?” The situation escalated when Trump delivered an ultimatum, “Make a deal or we are out,” hinting that the US might walk away from negotiations and cut support for Kyiv. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas ready to complete 'remaining stages' of truce, Israel yet to strike a deal The meeting, which was supposed to continue behind closed doors, was abruptly cut short after the heated exchange. Zelenskyy left the White House early, and a scheduled press conference to announce the minerals deal was cancelled. (With inputs from agencies)

'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back?

Iran on Tuesday (Dec 24) slammed Israel for what it called the country's "brazen admission" of its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and justifying its retaliatory missile strikes.

Tehran labelled the assassination, which Israel recently acknowledged, a "heinous crime".

<h2>What did Iran say?</h2>

Iran's Ambassador to United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's admission, delivered by Defence Minister Israel Katz, as an unprecedented "brazen" confession of responsibility.

"This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime," said Iravani.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-probe-finds-hamas-murdered-hostages-in-fear-of-advancing-ground-troops-786601">Israel probe finds Hamas 'murdered' hostages in fear of advancing ground troops</a>

Haniyeh, who was considered pivotal in Hamas' ceasefire negotiations, was killed on July 31 in Tehran by an explosive device allegedly planted weeks earlier by Israeli operatives.

Though Israel had been widely suspected, Katz's admission on Monday (Dec 23) marked the first official acknowledgement. Iran and Hamas had previously attributed Haniyeh's assassination to Israel.

Following the killing, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel in October. The missiles, as per Tel Aviv, were largely intercepted by the nation's defences or by its allies' air forces.

Ambassador Iravani defended the strikes as a "legitimate and legal defensive response."

He alleged that the Haniyeh killing was a "heinous terrorist attack" and said that Katz's statement justified his country's retaliatory attack.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Why Israel Is Struggling To Counter The Houthis?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-why-israel-is-struggling-to-counter-the-houthis-786582/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran's defensive response on 1 October 2024, as well as Iran's consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security," he stated.

<h2>Israel's high-profile killings</h2>

After Haniyeh, Israel allegedly carried out a series of high-profile killings, including that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut (on September 27, 2024) and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza (on October 7, 2024).

Israel blames Sinwar for orchestrating the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>

The initial Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,208 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, 96 of which still remain in captivity in Gaza.

Israeli officials claim that 34 of these hostages are dead. The retaliatory Israeli campaign has resulted in over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

&nbsp;

Iran on Tuesday (Dec 24) slammed Israel for what it called the country's "brazen admission" of its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and justifying its retaliatory missile strikes.

Iran on Tuesday (Dec 24) slammed Israel for what it called the country's "brazen admission" of its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and justifying its retaliatory missile strikes. Tehran labelled the assassination, which Israel recently acknowledged, a "heinous crime". What did Iran say? Iran's Ambassador to United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's admission, delivered by Defence Minister Israel Katz, as an unprecedented "brazen" confession of responsibility. "This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime," said Iravani. Also read | Israel probe finds Hamas 'murdered' hostages in fear of advancing ground troops Haniyeh, who was considered pivotal in Hamas' ceasefire negotiations, was killed on July 31 in Tehran by an explosive device allegedly planted weeks earlier by Israeli operatives. Though Israel had been widely suspected, Katz's admission on Monday (Dec 23) marked the first official acknowledgement. Iran and Hamas had previously attributed Haniyeh's assassination to Israel. Following the killing, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel in October. The missiles, as per Tel Aviv, were largely intercepted by the nation's defences or by its allies' air forces. Ambassador Iravani defended the strikes as a "legitimate and legal defensive response." He alleged that the Haniyeh killing was a "heinous terrorist attack" and said that Katz's statement justified his country's retaliatory attack. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Why Israel Is Struggling To Counter The Houthis? "It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran's defensive response on 1 October 2024, as well as Iran's consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security," he stated. Israel's high-profile killings After Haniyeh, Israel allegedly carried out a series of high-profile killings, including that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut (on September 27, 2024) and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza (on October 7, 2024). Israel blames Sinwar for orchestrating the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' The initial Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,208 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, 96 of which still remain in captivity in Gaza. Israeli officials claim that 34 of these hostages are dead. The retaliatory Israeli campaign has resulted in over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime'

Tehran, Iran
Iran on Tuesday (Dec 24) slammed Israel for what it called the country's "brazen admission" of its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and justifying its retaliatory missile strikes.
Tehran labelled the assassination, which Israel recently acknowledged, a "heinous crime".
<h2>What did Iran say?</h2>
Iran's Ambassador to United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's admission, delivered by Defence Minister Israel Katz, as an unprecedented "brazen" confession of responsibility.
"This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime," said Iravani.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-probe-finds-hamas-murdered-hostages-in-fear-of-advancing-ground-troops-786601">Israel probe finds Hamas 'murdered' hostages in fear of advancing ground troops</a>
Haniyeh, who was considered pivotal in Hamas' ceasefire negotiations, was killed on July 31 in Tehran by an explosive device allegedly planted weeks earlier by Israeli operatives.
Though Israel had been widely suspected, Katz's admission on Monday (Dec 23) marked the first official acknowledgement. Iran and Hamas had previously attributed Haniyeh's assassination to Israel.
Following the killing, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel in October. The missiles, as per Tel Aviv, were largely intercepted by the nation's defences or by its allies' air forces.
Ambassador Iravani defended the strikes as a "legitimate and legal defensive response."
He alleged that the Haniyeh killing was a "heinous terrorist attack" and said that Katz's statement justified his country's retaliatory attack.
Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Why Israel Is Struggling To Counter The Houthis?
<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/24/CHUNK_WEB_2412WI_HOUTHI-1735062315-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/CHUNK_WEB_2412WI_HOUTHI.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=455&tags=israel,Houthis,World News,WION" width="560"></iframe>
"It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran's defensive response on 1 October 2024, as well as Iran's consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security," he stated.
<h2>Israel's high-profile killings</h2>
After Haniyeh, Israel allegedly carried out a series of high-profile killings, including that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut (on September 27, 2024) and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza (on October 7, 2024).
Israel blames Sinwar for orchestrating the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>
The initial Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,208 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, 96 of which still remain in captivity in Gaza.
Israeli officials claim that 34 of these hostages are dead. The retaliatory Israeli campaign has resulted in over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iranian Ambassador to United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's admission, delivered by Defence Minister Israel Katz, as an unprecedented "brazen" confession of responsibility



Tehran, Iran Iran on Tuesday (Dec 24) slammed Israel for what it called the country's "brazen admission" of its role in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and justifying its retaliatory missile strikes. Tehran labelled the assassination, which Israel recently acknowledged, a "heinous crime". What did Iran say? Iran's Ambassador to United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's admission, delivered by Defence Minister Israel Katz, as an unprecedented "brazen" confession of responsibility. "This brazen admission marks the first time the Israeli regime has openly confessed to its responsibility for this heinous crime," said Iravani. Also read | Israel probe finds Hamas 'murdered' hostages in fear of advancing ground troops Haniyeh, who was considered pivotal in Hamas' ceasefire negotiations, was killed on July 31 in Tehran by an explosive device allegedly planted weeks earlier by Israeli operatives. Though Israel had been widely suspected, Katz's admission on Monday (Dec 23) marked the first official acknowledgement. Iran and Hamas had previously attributed Haniyeh's assassination to Israel. Following the killing, Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel in October. The missiles, as per Tel Aviv, were largely intercepted by the nation's defences or by its allies' air forces. Ambassador Iravani defended the strikes as a "legitimate and legal defensive response." He alleged that the Haniyeh killing was a "heinous terrorist attack" and said that Katz's statement justified his country's retaliatory attack. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Why Israel Is Struggling To Counter The Houthis? "It also reaffirms the legitimacy and legality of Iran's defensive response on 1 October 2024, as well as Iran's consistent position that the occupying and terrorist regime of Israel remains the most serious threat to regional and international peace and security," he stated. Israel's high-profile killings After Haniyeh, Israel allegedly carried out a series of high-profile killings, including that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut (on September 27, 2024) and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza (on October 7, 2024). Israel blames Sinwar for orchestrating the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' The initial Hamas attack on Israel claimed 1,208 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, 96 of which still remain in captivity in Gaza. Israeli officials claim that 34 of these hostages are dead. The retaliatory Israeli campaign has resulted in over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.