Donald Trump has claimed Iran’s supreme leader is “very seriously injured,” while also saying a peace deal between Washington and Tehran is “very close,” adding fresh uncertainty to a conflict already shaking the wider Middle East.
The comments came as tensions surged after Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area linked to Hezbollah. Iran condemned the attacks and warned of a “decisive and painful” response, raising fears that the fragile diplomatic push could collapse into a wider regional escalation.
The timing is critical: Trump’s remarks come 100 days after the US launched Operation Epic Fury, while Washington is trying to keep pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program and stop the Lebanon front from exploding into another full war.