Trump Threatens Iran with More Bombing, Claims to Have Saved Ayatollah from Assassination

Strategic Insights -

US President Donald Trump launched a vitriolic attack on Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of ingratitude and vowing to order more bombing raids if Tehran pursues nuclear weapons. Trump's outburst came as Iran prepared to hold a state funeral for 60 nuclear scientists and military commanders killed in Israel's 12-day bombing blitz.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump claimed to have saved Ayatollah Khamenei from assassination, saying he knew exactly where he was sheltered and would not let Israel or US forces terminate his life.
  • Trump threatened to order more bombing raids on Iran if intelligence indicates it is able to enrich uranium to military grade.
  • Iran has consistently denied any ambition to develop a nuclear arsenal.
  • Trump accused Khamenei of ingratitude after the Iranian leader said reports of damage to nuclear facilities were exaggerated and that Tehran had dealt Washington a "slap" in the face.
  • Trump said he had been working on removing sanctions against Iran but dropped the effort after Khamenei's statement.
  • Iran's government rejected a request by UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Rafael Grossi to visit facilities bombed by Israel and the US, saying it suggested "malign intent."
  • Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Grossi of an "astounding betrayal of his duties" for not speaking out against the air strikes.
  • Trump said he would consider fresh air strikes if last week's sorties were not successful in ending Iran's nuclear ambitions, stating "Sure. Without question. Absolutely."

Statistics:

  • At least 627 civilians, including 60 nuclear scientists and military commanders, were killed in Israel's 12-day bombing blitz on June 13.
  • Israel killed 28 people in retaliatory drone and missile fire.
  • Iran's capital, Tehran, is still coming to terms with the damage wrought by Israel's bombing campaign, with many residential neighborhoods targeted.
  • Of the 60 people to be laid to rest after Saturday's ceremony, four are women and four are children.
  • Four are being laid to rest in their own homes, according to reports.

Sources:

  • Trump's statement on Truth Social
  • White House press conference
  • Iranian state media
  • UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Rafael Grossi's statement
  • Iranian government announcements
  • Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statement on X (formerly Twitter)