Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Monday that Tehran would deliver a “strong reciprocal blow” if the United States follows through on President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran unless it agrees to a new nuclear deal.
Trump reiterated his ultimatum on Sunday, giving Iran a two-month deadline to accept his terms for negotiations, first outlined in a letter to Tehran in early March.
In response, Iran lodged a formal warning with Switzerland’s embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Tehran. State media reported that Iran vowed to respond “decisively and immediately” to any U.S. aggression.
Escalating Tensions
“The enmity of the U.S. and Israel has always existed. They threaten us, though we do not see an attack as very likely. But if they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong blow in return,” Khamenei said.
He also accused Washington of attempting to incite unrest inside Iran, referencing past protests, including the 2022-2023 demonstrations over the death of Mahsa Amini and the 2019 fuel price protests.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Sunday that Tehran had responded to Trump’s letter, stating that while Iran would not engage in direct talks with Washington, it remained open to indirect negotiations under Khamenei’s guidance.
Revolutionary Guards Warn U.S. Forces
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also issued a warning to U.S. military assets in the region.
“Americans have at least 10 bases in the region with 50,000 troops. They are in a glass house and should not throw stones,” said Aerospace Commander Amirali Hajizadeh.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a “shocking affront to international peace and security.”
“Violence breeds violence, peace begets peace. The U.S. can choose the course and concede to consequences,” Baghaei posted on social media.
Nuclear Standoff
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been escalating since Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term in office, reimposing sweeping sanctions on Iran.
Since then, Iran has significantly expanded its uranium enrichment, surpassing the deal’s limits. Western powers accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, while Tehran insists its program is strictly for civilian energy use.