Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the United States. would receive a “strong reciprocal blow” if it commits any military “mischief,” according to a statement Monday.
Khamenei’s comments come after President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if the Islamic Republic did not comply with a nuclear deal, as part of his “maximum pressure” agenda against Iran.
Trump had said in the past that Iran would be dealt with “militarily, or you make a deal.” In a Sunday interview with NBC News, however, Trump said “there will be bombing” if Iran does not negotiate.
A State Department spokesperson also said at a press briefing Monday that “Iran’s behavior across the globe threatens U.S. national interests which is why President Trump reimposed the maximum pressure campaign designed to end Iran’s nuclear threat.”
“As the president has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. “The president expressed his willingness to discuss a deal with Iran, as we know. If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the president is clear he will pursue other options which will be very bad for Iran.”
While Trump has demanded a nuclear deal, Khamenei and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian have resisted, saying Iran will not be threatened into negotiating.
