Trump halts Iran sanctions relief after Khamenei claims victory over Israel
By avagrace // 2025-07-06
Copy
 
  • President Donald Trump abandoned plans to ease sanctions on Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory over the U.S. and Israel, dismissing his claims as lies and vowing continued economic pressure.
  • The 12-day military confrontation began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinations of IRGC commanders, prompting Iranian missile retaliation and U.S. airstrikes on Fordow and other sites.
  • Iran's Supreme Leader framed the conflict as a strategic win, boasting of humiliating the U.S. and Israel, which angered Trump and derailed potential sanctions relief talks.
  • Trump revealed he blocked an Israeli operation targeting Khamenei's location, calling it an act of restraint, though military options remain open.
  • With sanctions locked in place and Iran refusing to back down, prospects for de-escalation are slim, raising fears of renewed conflict and unchecked nuclear activity.
U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly reversed plans to ease sanctions on Iran after its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory in Tehran's recent military confrontation with Israel. The announcement made on Truth Social, came in response to the ayatollah's claims that Iran had triumphed over both Israel and the United States. It followed a 12-day conflict marked by airstrikes, nuclear site bombings and high-profile assassinations. Trump dismissed Khamenei's assertions as a lie vowing to maintain economic pressure on the Islamic republic. The hostilities erupted on June 13 when Israel launched precision strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinated senior commanders, including key figures in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Tel Aviv justified the attacks as preemptive measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Iran retaliated with long-range missile strikes, prompting the U.S. to bomb Fordow, a heavily fortified uranium enrichment site, and two other locations. (Related: Trump: Nuclear deal with Iran UNNECESSARY as Tehran's facilities already destroyed.)

Khamenei issues defiant rhetoric, unaware Trump saved his life

Earlier, Khamenei declared that Iran had humiliated the U.S. and Israel, framing the conflict as a strategic win despite significant infrastructure damage. He boasted that Iran had "slapped America in the face" and vowed future retaliation. The remarks broadcast on state television infuriated Trump, who accused Khamenei of spreading false propaganda while his country lay in ruins. The Trump administration had reportedly considered lifting sanctions as part of a potential deal to halt Iran's uranium enrichment. Sources indicated discussions included unfreezing billions in Iranian assets and allowing regional aid for civilian nuclear programs. But after Khamenei's speech, Trump abandoned the plan. He asserted that Iran's leadership had shown only "anger, hatred and disgust" instead of seeking peace. The real estate mogul also revealed he had blocked an Israeli operation targeting Khamenei's location, calling it the war's "biggest attack." While Trump claimed sparing Khamenei life was an act of restraint, he emphasized that military options remain on the table. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded the U.S. cease its "disrespectful tone" toward Khamenei, signaling further diplomatic stalemate. This latest clash underscores decades of hostility between Iran and the West. The 2015 nuclear deal, brokered under former President Barack Obama, temporarily eased tensions. However, Trump's 2018 withdrawal and reinstatement of sanctions during his first term reignited the standoff. Iran's continued uranium enrichment and regional proxy wars have kept the U.S. and Israel on high alert, with both nations refusing to tolerate a nuclear-armed Tehran. Russia condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as illegal, while cautiously welcoming Trump's ceasefire announcement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over suspended inspections, but Iran's parliament voted to block further oversight—raising fears of unchecked nuclear activity. Despite the breakdown in talks, Trump hinted that Iran still seeks negotiations. However, with sanctions locked in place and Tehran refusing to back down, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain. Analysts warn that without a diplomatic breakthrough, another military confrontation is inevitable. Watch Jesse Watters of Fox News explaining why Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is running out of time in this clip. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump's Iran strikes backfire: Russia warns that Iran will likely be resupplied with nuclear warheads. Russia warns U.S. that military intervention in Iran-Israel conflict risks nuclear catastrophe. Netanyahu's Iran attack plan rejected by Trump amid Gaza backlash. Sources include: RT,com Reuters.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.com
Copy