THE LAGOS STATE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICE (LSWMO), YESTERDAY, SEALED OFF SOME BUILDINGS/PROPERTIES ACROSS THE STATE OVER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS.(PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE
Tehran, Iran — May 18, 2025 —
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched a fierce verbal assault on U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, following Trump’s high-profile visit to key Middle Eastern allies earlier this week. In a televised address marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Khamenei accused Trump of destabilizing the region and reigniting tensions with Iran through what he described as “arrogant and provocative behavior.”
Trump, who remains a polarizing figure in global politics and is campaigning for another presidential run, visited Israel and Saudi Arabia earlier this week. During his stops, he reaffirmed strong ties with both nations and sharply criticized Iran, calling it “the leading state sponsor of terror” and vowing to support regional efforts to counter Tehran’s influence.
Responding to the remarks, Khamenei dismissed Trump’s statements as “delusional rhetoric from a disgraced politician,” asserting that Iran’s resistance front has only grown stronger in the face of foreign pressure.
“The people of the region know who truly sows chaos,” Khamenei said. “It is not Iran that fuels war, but those who sell arms and impose their will on sovereign nations.”
Khamenei also warned of a “firm response” should U.S. allies or military assets take actions that threaten Iranian sovereignty or regional allies such as Hezbollah or the Houthis.
The speech comes amid growing concern over a potential escalation in proxy conflicts across the region. Analysts note that while Trump holds no official government position, his influence among right-wing factions in the U.S. and strong relationships with Gulf leaders give his words considerable weight.
Washington has not issued an official response to Khamenei’s address. However, State Department officials have reiterated a commitment to diplomacy and regional stability.
Observers say Khamenei’s sharp rhetoric signals Tehran’s continued distrust of U.S. intentions, especially under Trump’s potential return to power.
“Regardless of who sits in the White House, our path is clear,” Khamenei declared. “We will never bow to the threats of tyrants.”
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have remained high since the 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under Trump’s administration. Efforts to revive the agreement under President Biden have so far stalled, and recent military exchanges in the Red Sea and Syria have exacerbated hostilities.
The international community now watches closely to see whether Trump’s regional tour and Khamenei’s fiery rebuttal will reignite a cycle of confrontation or prompt renewed efforts toward de-escalation.
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