Tehran: Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump over his continuous military threats against Iran, emphasizing that Iran possesses the capability to counteract such threats effectively. 'Of course, an aircraft carrier is a dangerous machine, but even more dangerous than that is the weapon capable of sending it to the bottom of the sea,' Ayatollah Khamenei stated during an address on Tuesday.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ayatollah Khamenei's comments came while speaking to thousands from East Azarbaijan Province, on the eve of the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz uprising against the Shah regime. In his speech, the Leader criticized the US president's assertions of having the world's strongest military, noting that even the most formidable army can be incapacitated with a significant strike.
He further warned that the US's military and media provocations would fail, as the Iranian military and security forces remain fully prepared. Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted Trump's admission that the US has been unable to dismantle the Islamic Republic over the past 47 years, asserting that such threats will not succeed.
The Leader condemned the US's desire to dominate Iran, noting that the Iranian people are well-versed in their Islamic values and will act accordingly. He underscored Iran's resilience and promised resistance to any attempts to undermine the nation, while praising the unity and resolve of the Iranian people in protecting their sovereignty.
Ayatollah Khamenei also criticized US interference in Iran's defense and missile programs, labeling it as illogical and illegitimate. He stressed Iran's right to maintain deterrent capabilities and dismissed predetermined negotiation outcomes as foolish and destined to fail. He urged authorities to maintain readiness and address domestic economic challenges.
He further attributed the January unrest in Iran to foreign intelligence services aiming to exploit dissatisfaction among the youth. Ayatollah Khamenei noted the successful thwarting of the plot by security forces, volunteers, and citizens. He mourned the loss of lives during the unrest, categorizing the deceased into three groups, and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for the martyrs and victims.
Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian people's resilience, citing their participation in the February 11 rallies commemorating the Islamic Revolution anniversary as a testament to national strength and resistance to foreign intervention.