Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a dangerous new level this week after Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, issued a direct warning to President Donald Trump. “Iran does not fear your empty threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Be careful not to be eliminated yourself,” Larijani posted on X, in what many interpreted as a veiled assassination threat.
The exchange followed Trump’s warning on Truth Social that Iran would be hit “twenty times harder” if it continued blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that “death, fire and fury” would follow. Trump also declared he was “not happy” with Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, saying he could not “live in peace.”
Trump brushed off Larijani’s threat, telling reporters he “couldn’t care less.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed it would not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region, as global energy markets braced for further shocks.