Iran vows revenge for Khamenei's assassination, Trump hits back
What's the story
Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, has vowed to avenge the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel. The assassination took place on February 28 in a US-Israeli strike. Larijani warned US President Donald Trump that he would "pay the price" for this act. He said Iran "won't leave Trump alone," accusing him of miscalculating Iran's response to his actions.
Trump's response
Trump dismisses Iranian threat
In response to Larijani's threats, Trump said he didn't even know who the Iranian official was. "I have no idea what he's talking about, who he is. I couldn't care less," Trump told CBS News. He dismissed Larijani's remarks as weak and said they showed how diminished Iran was in the region. Trump reiterated that US military operations would continue until Iran accepts "unconditional surrender."
Diplomatic efforts
Iranian president apologizes to neighbors
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries for Tehran's retaliatory strikes. However, he later clarified that Iran had only targeted US military bases and not its neighbors. Despite the escalation of conflict, diplomatic efforts are underway with some countries mediating to end hostilities between the United States and Israel. Regional powers such as Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman have offered to mediate since the strikes began last weekend.
Escalating conflict
Israel enters 'new stage' in campaign against Iran
The Israel Defence Forces have entered a "new stage" in their campaign against Iran, hinting at more strikes to come. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned that American military action against Iran was "just getting started," with attacks expected to "surge dramatically" in the coming days. The ongoing conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war and put several Gulf countries on high alert.