Iran issues chilling nuclear warning to Trump – 'will protect them!'

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared the country will defend its “nuclear and missile capabilities” as vital national assets, in a direct challenge to Donald Trump amid ongoing tensions. In a written statement read out on Iranian state television, Khamenei doubled down on Tehran’s refusal to compromise on its weapons programmes, despite US efforts to secure a deal.

“Ninety million proud and honourable Iranians inside and outside the country regard all of Iran’s identity-based, spiritual, human, scientific, industrial and technological capacities – from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities – as national assets,” he said, “and will protect them just as they protect the country’s waters, land and airspace”. The Islamic Republic’s top authority had communicated through written messages since taking power following the February 28 airstrike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. His remarks come as Washington continues to push Tehran to curb its nuclear ambitions, with Trump insisting Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

The city is home to major nuclear facilities and stores of highly enriched uranium, making it a critical target in efforts to cripple Tehran’s atomic capabilities.

The Supreme Leaders comments come as Iran maintains tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route, heightening fears of further escalation in the region.

Ordinarily, around a fifth of the world’s oil transits the strait.

In statements made on Thursday, Khamenei also issued a stark warning over the region, declaring the only place for Americans in the Persian Gulf “is at the bottom of its waters”.

He added: “By God’s help and power, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without America, one serving the progress, comfort and prosperity of its people.”

“We and our neighbors across the waters of the Persian Gulf and the (Gulf) of Oman share a common destiny. Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometers away to act with greed and malice there have no place in it – except at the bottom of its waters.”

The escalating tensions have already rattled global markets, with oil prices surging to a four-year high.

A barrel of Brent crude has climbed past $126 – its highest level since the early stages of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – amid mounting fears of prolonged disruption to global supply routes.