President Trump announced Friday that he has suspended plans to ease sanctions on Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly downplayed the impact of recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed he saved Khamenei from a “VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH” by opposing Israeli plans to assassinate the Iranian leader during the recent conflict.Why it matters:The Trump administration had been hoping Iran would agree to direct talks with the U.S. next week, offering limited sanctions relief as an incentive to restart negotiations. However, Khamenei’s defiant video statement Thursday — in which he declared victory over Israel and claimed Iran had dealt America a “slap in the face” — derailed those plans.Trump had previously signaled a willingness to let China buy Iranian oil to aid Iran’s recovery after the recent 12-day war.The latest:Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded Friday evening, saying Trump must abandon his “disrespectful and unacceptable tone” if he genuinely wants a deal. “The Great and Powerful Iranian People…do not take kindly to threats and insults,” Araghchi posted on X, warning that Iran would not hesitate to reveal its “real capabilities” if provoked.What Trump is saying:In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump questioned Khamenei’s credibility, writing: “Why would the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’…say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the war with Israel when he knows that is a lie?”Trump said he had been working on lifting sanctions and offering measures for Iran’s “full, fast, and complete recovery” following the war, but ended those efforts after Khamenei’s hostile remarks. “Instead, I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust,” Trump wrote, stressing that Iran must cooperate or face further consequences. “I wish the leadership of Iran would realize that you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR. PEACE!!!”Driving the news:In a pre-recorded speech released Thursday, Khamenei insisted that U.S. airstrikes had “no major effect” on Iran’s nuclear facilities and accused the U.S. of exaggerating their success. “They could not do anything, they could not achieve their goal, and they are exaggerating to cover up the truth,” Khamenei declared.He also claimed Iran’s strike on a U.S. base in Qatar had delivered a “slap in the face” to America, while accusing Washington of downplaying the damage.Between the lines:Khamenei’s speech was his first public appearance in a week, amid rumors about his health and speculation over his involvement in wartime decisions. He is believed to have been sheltering in a bunker during the conflict due to fears of an Israeli assassination attempt.Trump said he knew Khamenei’s location but refused to authorize a strike, claiming he also blocked an Israeli operation that could have resulted in “many Iranians” killed in what he described as the biggest planned attack of the war.State of play:Speaking at a press conference Friday, Trump said that if negotiations resume, the U.S. will demand Iran surrender its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium. He expressed skepticism that Iran would attempt to restart its nuclear weapons program but warned the U.S. would use military force to prevent any future enrichment to weapons-grade levels.What’s next:Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected to visit Washington on Monday for meetings with White House officials. Discussions will focus on Iran, the ongoing war in Gaza, and preparations for an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, according to a source with direct knowledge.
