President Donald Trump said Friday that he has suspended plans to ease sanctions on Iran, following a combative video message from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that downplayed the damage caused by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and declared Tehran victorious in its 12-day conflict with Israel.
Trump, who had hoped to open direct negotiations with Iran as early as next week, said the Iranian leader's remarks derailed the diplomatic overture. "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 wrote on Truth Social.
The president also claimed he blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei during the conflict. "I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH," Trump posted, adding that the Iranian leader did not need to say "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!"
In a pre-recorded statement aired Thursday, Khamenei asserted that U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities "had no major effect" and accused Washington of exaggerating their impact. "They could not do anything, they could not achieve their goal, and they are exaggerating to cover up the truth," Khamenei said.
He also claimed that Iran had delivered a "slap in the face" to the U.S. by striking an American military base in Qatar. The address was Khamenei's first public appearance in a week, amid speculation over his health and role in wartime decisions. Iranian officials have said the supreme leader has been sheltering in a bunker since the beginning of the conflict.
Trump lashed out at Khamenei in remarks to reporters and on social media. "Why would the so-called 'Supreme Leader'... say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so?" Trump said. "You got beat to hell."
The president's comments came as White House officials continue to weigh the next phase of diplomacy. A planned sixth round of talks with Iran, previously scheduled for earlier this month in Oman, was canceled after the Israeli airstrikes.
Still, U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff said earlier this week that direct and indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran continue. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected in Washington Monday for consultations on Iran, Gaza, and a likely meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July.
Trump also reiterated that any future deal with Iran would require full international inspections of its nuclear sites. "They're exhausted. And Israel's exhausted, too," Trump told reporters. "The last thing they're thinking right now is nuclear."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against Trump's tone, writing on X: "If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any Delusion about the Power of Iran."
Trump had previously floated the idea of allowing China to purchase Iranian oil to help Iran rebuild post-war, but said those plans were shelved after Khamenei's defiant speech. "I wish the leadership of Iran would realize that you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR. PEACE!!!" he added.
