Trump Claims He Saved Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei from Assassination, Warns of More Strikes

June 28, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a dramatic statement Friday, claiming that he personally saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from assassination during recent tensions and warning that the United States would launch further bombings if Iran continues its nuclear weapons program.

In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Khamenei for what he described as ingratitude after the Iranian leader dismissed reports of damage to Iran’s nuclear sites caused by U.S. strikes. Khamenei also proclaimed victory over Israel in the recent conflict and declared Washington had received a humiliating “slap.”

“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,” Trump wrote. “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’”

Trump also announced that he was halting work on potential sanctions relief for Iran, which he had been pursuing in recent days, following the Iranian leader’s defiant statements. He urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table to avoid further escalation.

At a White House press conference, Trump stated that if Iran continued enriching nuclear-grade uranium despite U.S. military strikes, he would authorize additional bombing “without question.”

Trump accused Khamenei of lying about Iran’s role in the 12-day war with Israel and dismissed the Iranian claims of victory as “blatantly and foolishly” false. He added that Iran “got beat to hell” in the conflict and described the ceasefire as “a great time to end it.”

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Khamenei’s first public address since the ceasefire on Thursday insisted Iran had prevailed over Israel and dismissed U.S. claims that Iran’s nuclear program had suffered setbacks. He vowed Iran would never yield to U.S. pressure and mocked Washington’s position in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister denied any immediate plans to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, contradicting Trump’s earlier claim at a NATO summit that talks would soon recommence.

The war of words comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, with tensions remaining high and diplomatic efforts ongoing to prevent further escalation.