Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has delivered a stern warning to the United States, reinforcing his government’s stance against any perceived threats or pressures from Washington. In a speech on February 7, 2025, Khamenei stated unequivocally that Iran would respond “in kind” to any hostile actions or threats emanating from the US. His comments reflect the continued strain in the already volatile relationship between the two nations, especially in the wake of the reinstatement of the US’s “maximum pressure” policy under President Donald Trump. Khamenei also rejected the prospect of talks with the US, deeming them neither “wise,” “intelligent,” nor “honorable.”

The rhetoric marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, which have been exacerbated by economic sanctions, geopolitical maneuvering, and the nuclear standoff that has defined much of their relationship since the US pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough remains increasingly unlikely.

President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran upon returning to office was seen by many as a continuation of his previous administration’s hardline stance. The policy, aimed at crippling Iran’s economy through severe sanctions, specifically targets key sectors like Iran’s oil industry. On February 4, 2025, Washington announced additional sanctions on Tehran, focusing on an international network that facilitates the delivery of Iranian oil to China. This move further isolates Iran from international markets, exacerbating an already strained economic situation.

Iran, for its part, has rejected the notion that it is seeking nuclear weapons,........

© Blitz