Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns US of ‘Unforgettable Lessons’ as Conflict Escalates
TEHRAN — Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a stark warning to the United States, saying Washington could face “unforgettable lessons” if American attacks on Iran continue, as escalating military exchanges push the two countries closer to a broader confrontation.
In a written statement issued Saturday, Khamenei sharply criticized the United States and questioned the credibility of President Donald Trump’s commitments, declaring Trump’s signature “worthless” while accusing Washington of repeatedly violating agreements with Tehran. He also described “bullying” as a core feature of U.S. foreign policy.
The warning comes amid a dangerous new phase in the conflict. U.S. forces have continued military operations against Iranian targets, while Tehran has launched retaliatory attacks across the region. U.S. Central Command said American forces had completed a seventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran.
Tensions intensified further after an Iranian attack in Jordan killed two U.S. service members and left another missing. The casualties have increased pressure on the Trump administration as Washington considers how to respond while attempting to prevent the conflict from spiraling into an even wider regional war.
Khamenei’s statement also signals a deepening collapse of trust between Tehran and Washington. His attack on Trump’s credibility appears aimed not only at the current military confrontation but also at the diplomatic process that had sought to reduce tensions between the two countries.
The increasingly hostile rhetoric comes as both sides trade accusations over responsibility for the breakdown of diplomatic arrangements. Recent developments have raised fears that military escalation could overwhelm remaining efforts to restore negotiations.
The confrontation has also expanded beyond Iran’s borders. Iranian attacks and U.S. military operations have affected several parts of the Middle East, while tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors. An Associated Press analysis published Saturday said Washington and Tehran have crossed previous red lines as they move closer to an all-out conflict.
For Tehran, Khamenei’s latest message appears designed to demonstrate that continued U.S. military pressure will not force Iran into submission. For Washington, however, the deaths of American troops could increase demands for a stronger military response.
The critical question now is whether the escalating cycle of strikes and retaliation can still be contained—or whether the latest warnings from Tehran and casualties among U.S. forces will trigger another major expansion of the conflict.