Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge as Trump warns Tehran in overnight post
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON/MUSCAT: Tensions between Iran and the United States continued to escalate on Saturday as Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge the death of his father and predecessor, while US President Donald Trump warned that American missiles were “locked and loaded” in response to any attempt to target him.
In his first public message since the funeral of his father, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement carried by Iranian state media, declaring that revenge was the demand of the Iranian nation and would “certainly be carried out.” The statement underscored Tehran’s determination to respond amid heightened regional tensions.
The remarks came as political and military rhetoric between Tehran and Washington intensified following recent developments in the region, raising concerns over the possibility of further escalation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning in a social media post late Friday, stating that American “missiles are locked and loaded” and ready to strike Iran if Tehran attempts to assassinate him.
Trump’s comments followed reports that Israeli operatives had shared intelligence with US authorities regarding alleged Iranian threats to target the American president. While US officials have not publicly released details of the intelligence, the warning reflected Washington’s heightened security concerns and its readiness to respond to any potential attack.
Amid the growing tensions, diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict continued.
Iranian Foreign Minister travelled to Oman for talks focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies. Shipping traffic through the waterway has slowed again in the wake of recent military strikes, prompting renewed international concern over maritime security and global oil markets.
Regional mediators have been working to revive dialogue between Tehran and Washington in an effort to reduce tensions and prevent further military confrontation.
Senior US officials said Washington expects Iran to issue a formal statement confirming that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and that commercial shipping will not be targeted, a move seen as crucial to reassuring international markets and preventing disruptions to global trade.
The latest developments come amid continued international efforts to stabilize the region as fears grow that any further escalation could have significant security and economic consequences across the Middle East and beyond.