THE GUARDIAN: President issues warning amid speculation Donald Trump plans to assassinate or remove supreme leader
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned on Sunday that any attack on the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would be a declaration of war.
In an apparent response to speculation that Donald Trump is considering an attempt to assassinate or remove Khamenei, Pezeshkian said in a post on X: “An attack on the great leader of our country is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation.”
The Iranian president also blamed the US for the protests that have rocked Iran over the last two weeks and led to thousands of deaths among demonstrators.
“If there are hardship and constraints in the lives of the dear people of Iran, one of the main causes is the longstanding hostility and inhumane sanctions imposed by the US government and its allies,” Pezeshkian said.
Trump, in an interview with Politico on Saturday, called for an end to Khamenei’s nearly 40-year reign, calling him “a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people”. » | Lorenzo Tondo and Deepa Parent | Sunday, January 18, 2026
Showing posts with label Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Show all posts
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Ali Khamenei Says Thousands Killed in Iran Protests, Some in ‘Inhuman, Savage Manner’
THE GUARDIAN: Supreme leader blames US for death toll and calls Donald Trump a criminal for support of demonstrations
The Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during the protests that rocked Iran over the last two weeks.
In a speech on Thursday, Khamenei said that thousands of people had been killed, “some in an inhuman, savage manner”, and blamed the US for the death toll. The supreme leader railed against the US president, Donald Trump, whom he called a “criminal” for his support of demonstrations, and called for strict punishment of protesters.
Khamenei said: “By God’s grace, the Iranian nation must break the back of the seditionists just as it broke the back of the sedition.”
Iranian authorities also released a compilation of footage on Saturday that purported to show armed individuals carrying guns and knives alongside regular protesters – evidence, they said, of foreign saboteurs.
Another senior Iranian cleric demanded the execution of protesters, demanding that “armed hypocrites should be put to death”.
He described protesters as “butlers” and “soldiers” of Israel and the US, vowing that neither country should “expect peace”. » | William Christou | Saturday, January 17, 2026
Un article connexe en français est disponible ici.
The Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during the protests that rocked Iran over the last two weeks.
In a speech on Thursday, Khamenei said that thousands of people had been killed, “some in an inhuman, savage manner”, and blamed the US for the death toll. The supreme leader railed against the US president, Donald Trump, whom he called a “criminal” for his support of demonstrations, and called for strict punishment of protesters.
Khamenei said: “By God’s grace, the Iranian nation must break the back of the seditionists just as it broke the back of the sedition.”
Iranian authorities also released a compilation of footage on Saturday that purported to show armed individuals carrying guns and knives alongside regular protesters – evidence, they said, of foreign saboteurs.
Another senior Iranian cleric demanded the execution of protesters, demanding that “armed hypocrites should be put to death”.
He described protesters as “butlers” and “soldiers” of Israel and the US, vowing that neither country should “expect peace”. » | William Christou | Saturday, January 17, 2026
Un article connexe en français est disponible ici.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Manifestations en Iran : l’ayatollah Khamenei accuse Trump d’être «coupable des victimes»
LE FIGARO : Le guide suprême iranien a vivement mis en cause Donald Trump, l’accusant d’être responsable des morts survenues lors des récentes manifestations en Iran.
Le guide suprême iranien, l’ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a estimé samedi que les autorités devaient «briser le dos des séditieux», imputant les «victimes» au président américain Donald Trump après la répression d’une vague de manifestations contre le pouvoir qui a fait des milliers de morts.
«Nous n’avons pas l’intention de mener le pays à la guerre, mais nous n’épargnerons pas les criminels nationaux (...) pire encore que les criminels nationaux, les criminels internationaux, nous ne les épargnerons pas non plus», a-t-il déclaré à ses partisans à l’occasion d’une fête religieuse. «Par la grâce de Dieu, la nation iranienne doit briser le dos des séditieux, tout comme elle a brisé le dos de la sédition», a-t-il ajouté. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 17 Janvier 2026
Le guide suprême iranien, l’ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a estimé samedi que les autorités devaient «briser le dos des séditieux», imputant les «victimes» au président américain Donald Trump après la répression d’une vague de manifestations contre le pouvoir qui a fait des milliers de morts.
«Nous n’avons pas l’intention de mener le pays à la guerre, mais nous n’épargnerons pas les criminels nationaux (...) pire encore que les criminels nationaux, les criminels internationaux, nous ne les épargnerons pas non plus», a-t-il déclaré à ses partisans à l’occasion d’une fête religieuse. «Par la grâce de Dieu, la nation iranienne doit briser le dos des séditieux, tout comme elle a brisé le dos de la sédition», a-t-il ajouté. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 17 Janvier 2026
Monday, January 12, 2026
Cette photo parle d'elle-même !
Sunday, January 11, 2026
West Hiding Iran Truth? Thousands of Iranians Rally In Favour of Khamenei, Islamic Republic
Saturday, January 10, 2026
How Vulnerable Is Iran's Regime as Protests Show No Sign of Slowing? | DW News
10 Jan 2026 | Unrest continues to grow in Iran, with street demonstrations raging in cities across the country. Protesters have been publicly calling for the end of the Islamic Republic - as its rulers look more vulnerable than during previous popular uprisings.
The exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has now called on demonstrators to seize Iranian city centers. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has refused to back down. Authorities blacked out the internet for a second night in a row as rights groups say dozens of people have been killed.
The exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has now called on demonstrators to seize Iranian city centers. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has refused to back down. Authorities blacked out the internet for a second night in a row as rights groups say dozens of people have been killed.
Friday, January 09, 2026
Iran’s Supreme Leader Signals Harsher Crackdown as Protest Movement Swells
THE GUARDIAN: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls protesters ‘vandals’ and ‘saboteurs’ and blames the US for instigating the unrest
Iran’s supreme leader has vowed that authorities will “not back down” in the face of growing protests, blaming the US for instigating demonstrations that started over economic conditions and have since expanded to calls for political reform.
In his first speech since the protests started 13 days ago, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signalled on Friday that a greater crackdown was coming. He described protesters as “vandals” and “saboteurs”, and accused them of working on behalf of foreign agendas.
Protesters are “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy … because he said he would come to their aid”, Khamenei said – a reference to Donald Trump, who has threatened American intervention in Iran if authorities kill protesters.
The US president, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, suggested the supreme leader was preparing to flee Iran. “He’s looking to go somewhere. It’s getting very bad,” Trump said.
In a separate speech, the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said consequences for demonstrators would be “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency”. » | William Christou and Deepa Parent | Friday, January 9, 2026
Iran’s supreme leader has vowed that authorities will “not back down” in the face of growing protests, blaming the US for instigating demonstrations that started over economic conditions and have since expanded to calls for political reform.
In his first speech since the protests started 13 days ago, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signalled on Friday that a greater crackdown was coming. He described protesters as “vandals” and “saboteurs”, and accused them of working on behalf of foreign agendas.
Protesters are “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy … because he said he would come to their aid”, Khamenei said – a reference to Donald Trump, who has threatened American intervention in Iran if authorities kill protesters.
The US president, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, suggested the supreme leader was preparing to flee Iran. “He’s looking to go somewhere. It’s getting very bad,” Trump said.
In a separate speech, the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said consequences for demonstrators would be “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency”. » | William Christou and Deepa Parent | Friday, January 9, 2026
Khamenei’s Days Numbered? Iran’s Power Elites ‘SECRETLY’ Seek French Exit as Protests Swell | Report
Jan 9, 2026 | Iran is facing one of its most volatile moments in years as a deepening economic crisis and violent anti-government protests shake the country.
According to a report by French daily Le Figaro, senior Iranian officials are quietly seeking French visas for their families, signalling growing panic within the ruling elite. Iranian-French journalist Emmanuel Razavi claims even top reformist leaders, including the speaker of parliament, are involved.
Street unrest has turned deadly, with two police officers killed and dozens of protesters dead. As U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu back protesters, Tehran has issued stern warnings against dissent, underscoring fears of a prolonged internal confrontation.
According to a report by French daily Le Figaro, senior Iranian officials are quietly seeking French visas for their families, signalling growing panic within the ruling elite. Iranian-French journalist Emmanuel Razavi claims even top reformist leaders, including the speaker of parliament, are involved.
Street unrest has turned deadly, with two police officers killed and dozens of protesters dead. As U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu back protesters, Tehran has issued stern warnings against dissent, underscoring fears of a prolonged internal confrontation.
Sunday, December 07, 2025
«Vous avez vu comment elles font tomber leur voile ?» : Farah Pahlavi, ex-impératrice d’Iran que les mollahs ne sont pas parvenus à écorcher
LE FIGARO : ENTRETIEN - L’ex-impératrice d’Iran, qui a fêté ses 87 ans le 14 octobre, a reçu chez elle Le Figaro Magazine. L’occasion de revenir sur son destin hors du commun… et d’évoquer l’avenir de son pays.
Un appartement parisien, quelques tableaux et des photos de famille soigneusement encadrées. Par les fenêtres, on voit la Seine, indolente, qui roule ses eaux grasses. Un petit chien – Mowgli – accueille les visiteurs. C’est ici que vit en exil la dernière impératrice d’Iran, Farah, 87 ans. La voilà : une silhouette élégante, d’une élégance apaisée qui traverse le temps sans en trahir la gravité. Et ses yeux : on y lit la douceur et la douleur, la tendresse pour ce qui fut et la dignité de ce qui reste. Il y a, dans ce regard-là, tout un monde : non pas celui qui a disparu, mais celui qu’elle continue de porter en silence. On y devine aussi l’espoir tenace d’un autre avenir pour l’Iran.
Car quarante-six ans après son avènement, la République islamique d’Iran vacille, tout au bord du gouffre, frappée de l’extérieur et minée de l’intérieur par la colère de la population, éreintée par la misère, des années de corruption et l’incapacité – ou le refus – du gouvernement d’écouter le peuple et de se réformer. Dans ce pays de 88 millions d’habitants – dont l’âge moyen est de 32 ans –, les deux tiers du territoire sont privés d’eau potable et deux personnes sur trois vivent au-dessous du seuil de pauvreté, malgré la rente pétrolière et gazière du pays. Des coupures d’électricité quotidiennes de plus en plus fréquentes, de plus en plus longues, affectent la vie des entreprises et des institutions, obligées de fermer leurs portes plusieurs jours par semaine. L’inflation s’élève à 50 %. Dans les hôpitaux, la pénurie de médicaments et l’épuisement minent le moral du personnel médical, à bout de forces et de moyens. » | Par Emmanuel Razavi et Jean-Marie Montali, pour Le Figaro Magazine | dimanche 7 décembre 2025
Réservé aux abonnés
Un appartement parisien, quelques tableaux et des photos de famille soigneusement encadrées. Par les fenêtres, on voit la Seine, indolente, qui roule ses eaux grasses. Un petit chien – Mowgli – accueille les visiteurs. C’est ici que vit en exil la dernière impératrice d’Iran, Farah, 87 ans. La voilà : une silhouette élégante, d’une élégance apaisée qui traverse le temps sans en trahir la gravité. Et ses yeux : on y lit la douceur et la douleur, la tendresse pour ce qui fut et la dignité de ce qui reste. Il y a, dans ce regard-là, tout un monde : non pas celui qui a disparu, mais celui qu’elle continue de porter en silence. On y devine aussi l’espoir tenace d’un autre avenir pour l’Iran.
Car quarante-six ans après son avènement, la République islamique d’Iran vacille, tout au bord du gouffre, frappée de l’extérieur et minée de l’intérieur par la colère de la population, éreintée par la misère, des années de corruption et l’incapacité – ou le refus – du gouvernement d’écouter le peuple et de se réformer. Dans ce pays de 88 millions d’habitants – dont l’âge moyen est de 32 ans –, les deux tiers du territoire sont privés d’eau potable et deux personnes sur trois vivent au-dessous du seuil de pauvreté, malgré la rente pétrolière et gazière du pays. Des coupures d’électricité quotidiennes de plus en plus fréquentes, de plus en plus longues, affectent la vie des entreprises et des institutions, obligées de fermer leurs portes plusieurs jours par semaine. L’inflation s’élève à 50 %. Dans les hôpitaux, la pénurie de médicaments et l’épuisement minent le moral du personnel médical, à bout de forces et de moyens. » | Par Emmanuel Razavi et Jean-Marie Montali, pour Le Figaro Magazine | dimanche 7 décembre 2025
Réservé aux abonnés
Friday, November 28, 2025
L’ayatollah Khamenei affirme que l'administration Trump n'est «pas digne» de coopérer avec l'Iran
LE FIGARO : «Un tel gouvernement (les États-Unis) n’est pas digne d’être approché ou de coopérer avec un gouvernement comme la République islamique», a affirmé Khamenei lors d’une allocution télévisée
Le guide suprême iranien l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei a affirmé jeudi soir que le gouvernement américain du président Donald Trump n'était «pas digne» de tout contact ou coopération avec la République islamique. «Les Américains trahissent même leurs alliés : ils protègent le gang criminel qui gouverne la Palestine», a affirmé Khamenei lors d’une allocution télévisée en référence au soutien américain à Israël, ennemi actuel de Téhéran.
«Un tel gouvernement (américain) n’est pas digne d’être approché ou de coopérer avec un gouvernement comme la République islamique», a-t-il ajouté. L’Iran et les États-Unis, ennemis depuis plus de quatre décennies, avaient entamé en avril des négociations sous la médiation du sultanat d’Oman autour du programme nucléaire iranien, objet de tensions avec les pays occidentaux. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 27 novembre 2025
Le guide suprême iranien l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei a affirmé jeudi soir que le gouvernement américain du président Donald Trump n'était «pas digne» de tout contact ou coopération avec la République islamique. «Les Américains trahissent même leurs alliés : ils protègent le gang criminel qui gouverne la Palestine», a affirmé Khamenei lors d’une allocution télévisée en référence au soutien américain à Israël, ennemi actuel de Téhéran.
«Un tel gouvernement (américain) n’est pas digne d’être approché ou de coopérer avec un gouvernement comme la République islamique», a-t-il ajouté. L’Iran et les États-Unis, ennemis depuis plus de quatre décennies, avaient entamé en avril des négociations sous la médiation du sultanat d’Oman autour du programme nucléaire iranien, objet de tensions avec les pays occidentaux. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 27 novembre 2025
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Iran's Supreme Leader Says Country Delivered "Hard Slap" to US | BBC News
Jun 26, 2025 | Iran's supreme leader has given a statement to the nation, which is his first video message since the US strikes and Iran's ceasefire with Israel.
In a post on X before the message, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed victory over Israel and said Iran delivered a "heavy slap" to the US.
He said the US "failed to achieve anything significant" by attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, accusing Donald Trump of an "unusually exaggerated" account of what happened.
Two weeks ago, Israel began air strikes on Iran, before Iran responded with missiles, and after a ceasefire was agreed, Trump called it a "12-day war”.
The US also attacked Iranian nuclear sites, before Iran responded with strikes on a US base in Qatar.
In a post on X before the message, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed victory over Israel and said Iran delivered a "heavy slap" to the US.
He said the US "failed to achieve anything significant" by attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, accusing Donald Trump of an "unusually exaggerated" account of what happened.
Two weeks ago, Israel began air strikes on Iran, before Iran responded with missiles, and after a ceasefire was agreed, Trump called it a "12-day war”.
The US also attacked Iranian nuclear sites, before Iran responded with strikes on a US base in Qatar.
Thursday, January 05, 2023
Iran Warns France over ‘Insulting’ Cartoons Depicting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
THE GUARDIAN: Publication by French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo ‘will not go without effective response’, says Tehran foreign minister
Ayatollah Khameni, Iran’s supreme leader, pictured in May 2021. Photograph: Zuma/Rex/Shutterstock
Iran has summoned the French ambassador over publication of caricatures of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
The weekly magazine published dozens of cartoons ridiculing the highest religious and political figure in the Islamic republic as part of a competition it launched in December in support of the protest movement that began in Iran last September.
Later on Wednesday, Iran’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the French ambassador, Nicolas Roche.
“France has no right to insult the sanctities of other Muslim countries and nations under the pretext of freedom of expression,” said a foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani. “Iran is waiting for the French government’s explanation and compensatory action in condemning the unacceptable behaviour of the French publication.”
The foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, tweeted: “The insulting and indecent act of a French publication in publishing cartoons against the religious and political authority will not go without an effective and decisive response.” » | AFP in Paris | Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Lire l'article suivant en français :
L’Iran ferme un institut français après la publication par « Charlie Hebdo » de caricatures : Pour son numéro spécial « 7 janvier », date anniversaire de l’attentat contre « Charlie Hebdo » en 2015, l’hebdomadaire satirique a choisi de soutenir les Iraniennes et les Iraniens et d’infliger une « raclée aux mollahs », selon les termes de la « une ». »
The weekly magazine published dozens of cartoons ridiculing the highest religious and political figure in the Islamic republic as part of a competition it launched in December in support of the protest movement that began in Iran last September.
Later on Wednesday, Iran’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the French ambassador, Nicolas Roche.
“France has no right to insult the sanctities of other Muslim countries and nations under the pretext of freedom of expression,” said a foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani. “Iran is waiting for the French government’s explanation and compensatory action in condemning the unacceptable behaviour of the French publication.”
The foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, tweeted: “The insulting and indecent act of a French publication in publishing cartoons against the religious and political authority will not go without an effective and decisive response.” » | AFP in Paris | Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Lire l'article suivant en français :
L’Iran ferme un institut français après la publication par « Charlie Hebdo » de caricatures : Pour son numéro spécial « 7 janvier », date anniversaire de l’attentat contre « Charlie Hebdo » en 2015, l’hebdomadaire satirique a choisi de soutenir les Iraniennes et les Iraniens et d’infliger une « raclée aux mollahs », selon les termes de la « une ». »
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei Praises Militia for Brutal Crackdown | DW News
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Iran Says 'Idiotic' New US Sanctions Have Closed Path to Diplomacy
Iran says the US decision to impose sanctions on its supreme leader and other top officials is “idiotic” and has permanently closed the path to diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.
Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Monday against the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and top military chiefs, in an unprecedented step designed to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran’s downing of an unmanned American drone. Khamenei is Iran’s utmost authority who has the last say on all state matters.
Washington said it would also impose sanctions this week on Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, who negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal with the US and other major powers and has spearheaded Iranian diplomacy since.
Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, described the White House as “afflicted by mental retardation” and said the sanctions against Khamenei were “outrageous and idiotic”, especially as the 80-year-old cleric has no overseas assets and no plans to ever travel to the US. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Iran's Leader to Europe: Fulfil Demands or Nuclear Deal Is Dead | Al Jazeera English
European powers must continue buying crude oil, protect Iranian oil sales from US pressure and promise to not seek new negotiations on Iran's ballistic missile programme and Middle East activities, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's official website said on Wednesday.
Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi reports from Tehran.
Monday, June 05, 2017
Iran's Leader Lashes Out at Trump, Saudis for Anti-Tehran Alliance
Trump singled out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups during his visit to Saudi Arabia in late May, two days after the Iranian election in which pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani won a second term.
During Trump's visit to Riyadh, the U.S. sealed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional arch-rival.
Khamenei called the visit a display of brazenness.
"The U.S. president stands alongside the leaders of a tribal and backward system and does the sword dance, but criticizes an Iranian election with 40 million votes," the supreme leader said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.
"Even with a multi-billion dollar bribe to America, the Saudis cannot achieve their goals in the region," he said. » | Reuters | Sunday, June 4, 2017
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Criticises 'Arrogance' of the United States Following Nuclear Deal
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| Khamenei said US policies in the region were "180 degrees" opposed to Iran's policies |
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has launched an attack on the United States and its Middle East policies, saying Washington sought Iran's "surrender".
Four days after the signing of a nuclear deal in Geneva – an agreement ten years in the making – Khamenei delivered a fiery speech at a Tehran mosque, punctuated by chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". He said he wanted politicians to examine the agreement to ensure national interests were preserved, as Iran would not allow the disruption of its revolutionary principles or defensive abilities.
An arch conservative with the last word on high matters of state, Khamenei repeatedly used the phrase "whether this text is approved or not", implying the accord has yet to win definitive backing from Iran's factionalised political establishment.
"Whether the deal is approved or disapproved, we will never stop supporting our friends in the region and the people of Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon," he said.
"Even after this deal our policy towards the arrogant US will not change." Read on and comment » | Reuters | Saturday, July 18, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Iran's Supreme Leader Posts Photo of Himself Trampling Israeli Flag: 'The Zionist Regime Is Doomed'
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| The caption on this photo, posted on supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's website[,] is 'The Zionist Regime is Condemned to Vanish' |
The caption on the photo, according to a translation by American Enterprise Institute scholar Michael Rubin, reads, “The Zionist Regime is Condemned to Vanish.”
“The Zionist regime is a regime with very shaky pillars,” the caption continues. “The Zionist regime is doomed. The Zionist regime is an imposed regime and was created with intimidation. Nothing created with intimidation can last long and this one will not last long either.” » | Patrick Goodenough | Monday, July 13, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Iran's Supreme Leader Says Western Sanctions Must Go When Nuclear Deal Is Signed
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| Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivering speech to a packed crowd earlier this month |
Iran's Supreme Leader drew his "red lines" for a final nuclear agreement on Tuesday night, demanding the "immediate" lifting of sanctions as soon as a deal is signed.
Diplomats from Iran and six world powers are racing to negotiate an accord that would settle the confrontation over Tehran's nuclear ambitions by a deadline of next Tuesday.
But Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sudden intervention may complicate their efforts. In a televised speech, the Supreme Leader appeared to renege on commitments that Iran has already made.
"Sanctions should be lifted immediately when the deal is signed and it should not be linked to verification by the UN watchdog body," said Ayatollah Khamenei, who has the final say over all policy questions. » | David Blair | Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Americans Are 'Back-stabbers' and 'Tricksters' Says Iran's Leader after Senate Letter
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| Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei |
Iran’s Supreme Leader accused “back-stabbing” America of “tricks and deceptions” on Thursday as the clock ticked towards a deadline for a final agreement on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a caustic response to an open letter from 47 Republican senators, warning that a future US president might revoke any nuclear deal with Iran.
This message – furiously denounced by President Barack Obama – raised the possibility of Iran walking away from an agreement while deflecting the blame on to America.
"Of course I am worried, because the other side is known for opacity, deceit and back-stabbing,” said Ayatollah Khamenei in a speech to the Assembly of Experts, Iran’s most senior body.
"Every time we reach a stage where the end of the negotiations is in sight, the tone of the other side, specifically the Americans, becomes harsher, coarser and tougher. This is the nature of their tricks and deceptions.” » | David Blair, and Peter Foster in Washington | Thursday, March 12, 2015
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