‘Watch Your Back’: Iran Fires Back at Trump’s Threats
Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has launched a fierce warning at Donald Trump, telling the former US President to watch his own safety after Trump vowed to bring “death, fire and fury” on Tehran. Larijani branded Trump’s threats “empty” and warned: “Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Take care of yourself so as not to be eliminated.”
Plot to Assassinate Trump Fuels Fire
This war of words comes days after an Iranian-linked plot to kill Trump was uncovered in the US. Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national trained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was convicted of planning to assassinate Trump during the 2024 presidential race. Officials say the hit was revenge for the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in 2020. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the ringleader behind the plot was eliminated in recent strikes.
Trump Warns Iran: Strait of Hormuz ‘Will Be Hit Twenty Times Harder’
Trump hasn’t backed down. On Truth Social, he warned Iran that blocking oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — would trigger a massive US response. “They will be hit TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” he tweeted. He also slammed Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, calling it “just more of the same.”
US Prepares ‘Most Intense Day’ of Strikes as Iran Stays Defiant
Defence Secretary Hegseth says Tuesday will see the most intense US strikes yet on Iran, with more fighters, bombers, and intelligence support. He noted Iran fired its fewest missiles in a day since the conflict began, hinting Washington’s pressure is biting. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out fresh talks with the US, calling past negotiations a “bitter experience.”
“After three rounds of negotiation… they decided to attack us. I don’t think talking to the Americans anymore would be on our agenda.” — Abbas Araqchi
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned it would block all oil exports if US and Israeli attacks continue. Saudi Arabia’s oil giant sounded alarms, warning of a “catastrophe” if the Strait remains closed beyond a week.
