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Khamenei warns U.S. will face "severe blow" if Iran attacked amid rising tensions

By isabelle // 2025-03-25

• Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei warns the U.S. that military aggression will trigger a "severe and crushing blow."
• Tensions escalate as Trump threatens strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if negotiations fail.
• Khamenei rejects U.S. ultimatums, citing Trump’s past withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Iran refuses to negotiate under sanctions, with military leaders vowing a "devastating reaction" to any attack.
• Experts warn of regional conflict as U.S. and Israel coordinate potential strikes on Iran.

In a fiery address marking the Persian New Year, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning to the United States: Any military aggression against Tehran will be met with a "severe and crushing blow." The threat was a direct response to President Donald Trump's recent warnings of potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations fail. The escalating rhetoric has raised fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East, with Iran refusing to negotiate under pressure and the U.S. signaling readiness for military action. Khamenei's speech, broadcast live from Tehran, dismissed Trump's claims that Iran controls Yemen's Houthi rebels, framing the group as an independent resistance movement rather than an Iranian proxy. "Why do you label them as proxies?" Khamenei challenged. "The people of Yemen and the Resistance centers in the region have an inner motive to stand against the Zionists." His remarks came just days after Trump vowed on Truth Social to retaliate with "great force" against any Houthi attacks, blaming Iran for the group's actions.

A rejection of U.S. ultimatums

The tension stems from Trump's recent letter to Khamenei, demanding Iran agree to a new nuclear deal within two months or face military consequences. According to Axios, failure to comply could trigger U.S. or Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. But Khamenei dismissed the ultimatum, citing Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "This same person tore up the JCPOA," he said. "How can we negotiate with this person? When we know they will not keep their word, what's the point?" Iranian officials have repeatedly stated they will not negotiate under sanctions or threats. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran would respond to Trump's letter but emphasized that its contents included both "threats and opportunities." Meanwhile, Major General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, vowed a "devastating reaction" to any attack. The diplomatic impasse highlights a fundamental mistrust between the two nations. During his first term, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal despite international verification that Iran was complying with its terms. Now back in office, Trump has reimposed his "maximum pressure" sanctions campaign while simultaneously demanding new negotiations—a contradiction Iranian leadership finds impossible to reconcile. "The US must know that when facing Iran, threats will never achieve anything," Khamenei declared in his Nowruz address, highlighting Tehran's unwavering stance against what it perceives as American bullying tactics. "The Americans should know that they will receive a severe slap in the face if they commit any evil act against the Iranian people."

Regional escalation looms

The standoff has intensified concerns over broader conflict. The Pentagon is reportedly updating war plans for Iran, and top U.S. and Israeli officials are coordinating responses should diplomacy collapse. Experts warn that a miscalculation could spark regional violence, particularly given Israel's longstanding threats to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Khamenei's insistence on Yemeni autonomy further complicates U.S. strategy. While Washington frames the Houthis as Iranian proxies, analysts note the group's actions are largely driven by local grievances. Still, Trump's administration has linked any Houthi aggression directly to Tehran, raising the stakes for potential retaliation. The situation represents the most significant military buildup in the Middle East since Trump returned to the White House in January. U.S. intelligence reports suggest Israel is also "strongly considering" strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that could come this year, adding another volatile element to an already precarious situation. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful, aligned with a religious fatwa against weapons of mass destruction, and compliant with its obligations as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, Western powers remain skeptical of Tehran's intentions, pointing to its uranium enrichment activities beyond the levels needed for civilian purposes.

A dangerous stalemate

Khamenei's defiance and Trump's brinkmanship leave little room for compromise, with both leaders seemingly convinced that threats will force the other to back down. With Iran dismissing negotiations under threat and the U.S. unwilling to lift sanctions without concessions, diplomatic channels appear increasingly constrained. Regional allies and adversaries are closely monitoring developments, aware that any military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran would likely draw in neighboring countries and disrupt global energy markets. With such uncompromising positions on both sides, the margin for error continues to shrink—and with it, hopes for a peaceful resolution to this dangerous impasse. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com TheCradle.co MiddleEastMonitor.com Reuters.com

Donald Trump Iran national security terrorism nuclear weapons violence Middle East self-defense jihad chaos Ayatollah Khamenei WWIII