Overview
- Aboard Air Force One, Trump called a question about whether Iran takes his threats seriously a “stupid question” and mocked CNN.
- Trump pointed to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the raid on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, June 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and a recent Venezuela operation as reasons Iran should take him seriously.
- Pressed on potential responses, Trump said the U.S. is considering “very strong options” and warned Iran would be hit at unprecedented levels if it targeted American forces.
- He said Iran was “starting to” cross a red line as coverage cited reports of lethal crackdowns on nationwide protests.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a public rebuke on X, as separate reporting indicated Trump is expected to receive a formal briefing on options by Tuesday.