Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that any attack on the Islamic Republic would be met with a forceful retaliation. His remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to bomb Iran if it fails to comply with demands over its nuclear program.

Khamenei’s Warning

Speaking during Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, Khamenei dismissed the likelihood of a U.S. or Israeli strike but emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond.

"They [the U.S. and Israel] threaten to attack us, which we don’t think is very probable, but if they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow," Khamenei declared. "If it is carried out, they will definitely receive a strong counterattack."

He also warned against foreign-backed unrest in Iran, stating that the Iranian people would confront any internal sedition, referencing past protests such as the 2022-2023 demonstrations over Mahsa Amini’s death and the 2019 fuel price riots.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Condemns Trump’s Threat

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei responded more sharply, calling Trump’s bombing threat a "shocking affront to International Peace and Security."

"Violence breeds violence, peace begets peace," he wrote on social media. "The U.S. can choose the course... and concede to CONSEQUENCES."

Trump’s "Maximum Pressure" Policy

Since taking office, Trump has reinstated a hardline stance on Iran, withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and reimposing crippling sanctions. Tehran, in turn, has escalated uranium enrichment beyond the deal’s limits.

In early March, Trump reportedly sent a letter to Khamenei urging nuclear negotiations and hinting at military action if Iran refused. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded on Sunday, ruling out direct talks with Washington but expressing willingness for indirect discussions as per Khamenei’s directives.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, while the U.S. and allies suspect weapons development. With threats escalating, the risk of confrontation looms, raising global concerns over regional stability.