Iran’s Supreme Leader Taunts Trump Over His Nuclear Boast

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected an offer of renewed talks from U.S. President Donald Trump and refuted his claim that the United States has destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Tehran and Washington engaged in five rounds of indirect nuclear negotiations that concluded with a 12-day air war in June, during which Israel and the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites.

“Trump says he is a dealmaker, but if a deal is accompanied by coercion and its outcome is predetermined, it is not a deal but rather an imposition and bullying,” Khamenei stated according to state media.

Last week, Trump told the Israeli parliament that it would be great if Washington could negotiate a “peace deal” with Tehran, following the start of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“The U.S. president proudly says they bombed and destroyed Iran’s nuclear industry. Very well, keep dreaming!” Khamenei added.

“What does it have to do with America whether Iran has nuclear facilities or not? These interventions are inappropriate, wrong and coercive.”

Western powers accuse Iran of covertly attempting to develop a nuclear bomb through uranium enrichment, and they want it to cease such activity. Tehran denies seeking to weaponize enrichment, stating that the program is for civilian energy purposes.