Khamenei: Iran will not hesitate to respond to US threats

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning, asserting that the country will not hesitate to retaliate against any threats or acts of aggression from the United States.

“The Americans have been making threats against us. If they threaten us, we will threaten them back. Should they act on their threats, we will respond in kind. If they infringe upon our security, we will take action accordingly,” Khamenei stated, speaking during a meeting with Iran's Army Air Force and Air Defence Command, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

This statement follows a tough stance taken by US President Donald Trump, who signed an order on February 4, 2025, reaffirming US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump has emphasized that the US reserves the right to block Iran's oil sales globally, a policy that has been central to his administration’s strategy against Tehran. He also made it clear that any retaliatory move from Iran targeting him would lead to catastrophic consequences. “If they target me, Iran will be obliterated,” Trump warned.

Trump's actions also coincide with reports suggesting that he may approve Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The decision comes in the wake of reports that Iran's Defense Innovation and Research Organization, which is responsible for nuclear developments, operates under the guise of Iran's space program, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources.

Trump's shift in policy marks a return to his previous "maximum pressure" campaign, which was designed to isolate Iran economically and prevent its nuclear advancement. He has criticized President Biden for weakening the US position on Iran, claiming that the Biden administration's failure to enforce oil sanctions effectively allowed Iran to increase its revenue and expand its nuclear program.

Under the new policy, the US is focused on driving Iran’s oil exports to zero, aiming to further cripple Iran’s economy. In 2024, Iran's oil exports surged to their highest levels since 2018, despite existing sanctions. The US Energy Information Administration reported that Iran earned over $50 billion in oil revenue in both 2022 and 2023, with 2024 seeing significant increases.

As Trump’s announcement made headlines, global oil markets saw volatility, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s oil output and the potential impact of US sanctions.

By Tamilla Hasanova