Friday World January 6,2026
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly ridiculed US President Donald Trump, stating, "The US president proudly says they bombed and destroyed Iran's nuclear industry... Very well, keep dreaming!" This sharp rebuke came in response to Trump's repeated assertions that the US-Israel airstrikes in June 2025 had completely obliterated Iran's key nuclear sites.
"While the world was hoping for peace in the Middle East, Khamenei directly challenged Trump, saying, 'Dreaming is tax-free, keep on dreaming!' This was a moment that focused the world's attention on Tehran and Washington."
Khamenei dismissed the claims as mere fantasies and emphasized that the United States has no right to interfere in Iran's nuclear program. The statement was made on October 20, 2025, following Trump's speech at the Israeli Knesset (parliament) on October 13, 2025, where he hailed the Gaza ceasefire success and expressed hope for renewed negotiations with Tehran. Trump had suggested that talks between Washington and Tehran would be "great" and even extended an olive branch, saying the US was "ready when you are."
However, Khamenei firmly rejected any such proposal, declaring: "Trump says he is a dealmaker, but if a deal is accompanied by coercion and its outcome is predetermined, it is not a deal but rather an imposition and bullying." He further mocked Trump's self-proclaimed "dealmaker" status and asserted that no country has the authority to dictate whether Iran should possess nuclear facilities.
Background of the June 2025 Strikes
The roots of this tension trace back to June 2025, when Israel launched a surprise large-scale military operation against Iran on June 13. The attacks targeted Iran's nuclear centers, ballistic missile sites, and senior military officials. Israel claimed the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran has consistently denied any weaponization intent, insisting its program is purely for peaceful energy purposes. Key facilities hit included Natanz (uranium enrichment), Fordow (deeply buried underground site), and Isfahan (nuclear technology center). Israel conducted multiple waves of airstrikes, degrading air defenses and missile capabilities. On June 22, the US joined directly with Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 stealth bombers to drop massive GBU-57 "bunker-buster" bombs on Fordow, along with Tomahawk missiles targeting other sites.
During the 12-day conflict, Iran retaliated with missile strikes, including an attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The war ended on June 24 when Trump announced a ceasefire, which both sides accepted.
US intelligence assessments vary: Pentagon and some officials claim the strikes delayed Iran's nuclear program by 1-2 years, while initial reports suggested only months of setback. Iran denies major permanent damage, stating its knowledge and capabilities remain intact and can be rebuilt.
Long-Standing Nuclear Dispute Western nations, particularly the US and Israel, have long accused Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons. The 2015 JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal) aimed to curb this, but Trump withdrew the US in 2018, reimposing sanctions. Iran responded by increasing uranium enrichment. Multiple rounds of indirect talks failed, culminating in the complete halt after the June 2025 strikes.
Khamenei's recent defiance makes clear that Iran will not negotiate under pressure. He stressed that Iran's nuclear program is none of America's business and that Tehran will defend its rights if necessary.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East and Future Prospects This exchange has deepened the regional crisis. Uncertainty over Iran's nuclear program, Israel's security concerns, and the US "maximum pressure" policy make any immediate compromise unlikely.
Iran has strengthened its stance on independence and resistance, while the Trump administration emphasizes "peace through strength." The nuclear issue is not merely technical but deeply political, ideological, and strategic. Until trust is rebuilt, tensions will persist, risking further instability in the Middle East.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World January 6,2026
