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Trump Halts Plans for Sanction Relief on Iran After Khamenei’s Comments
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced that he has abandoned efforts to ease sanctions on Iran due to severe remarks made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump has indicated that he is willing to consider military action against Iran again if the country continues enriching uranium at risky levels.
Trump described Khamenei’s comments as filled with "anger and hatred," prompting him to immediately cease initiatives aimed at providing Iran with relief from sanctions.
The tension flared after a 12-day conflict with Israel culminated in U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities over the past weekend. Khamenei asserted that Iran had effectively "slapped America in the face" by attacking a significant U.S. military installation in Qatar in retaliation, and he emphasized that Iran would not capitulate.
In a bold statement, Trump claimed that he had spared Khamenei’s life. According to U.S. officials, Trump rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate the supreme leader earlier this month.
"I knew exactly where his hiding places were. His country has been devastated, with his three nefarious nuclear sites obliterated," Trump remarked on social media. "I saved him from a very ugly and dishonorable death."
Trump further revealed that he had been considering a strategy to lift sanctions against Iran to support its recovery but quickly dropped the idea after Khamenei’s statements. "I received a statement filled with anger, hatred, and disgust, prompting me to halt all work related to sanction relief and more," he explained.
During a news conference at the White House, Trump did not rule out future airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities if they were deemed a threat, affirming, "Absolutely, without question."
Additionally, he expressed a desire for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or another reputable organization to assess the bombed nuclear sites, reiterating his view that these sites had been completely destroyed, dismissing any contrary reports.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi stated Wednesday that resuming inspections is his top priority, especially since none have occurred since the Israeli airstrikes began on June 13.
However, Iran’s parliament approved a decision on Wednesday to pause such inspections. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi later suggested that Tehran may refuse any inspection requests from the IAEA’s director.
Trump commented that, following the U.S. and Israeli attacks, he does not believe Iran is still pursuing nuclear weapon development. He labeled the nation as "exhausted" but noted that Tehran is still interested in discussions about a way forward.
The White House confirmed on Thursday that there are currently no scheduled meetings with Iranian representatives.
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