Iran has dismissed threats made by President Donald Trump, with the country’s top security official warning that Tehran is not intimidated by what he described as “paper threats.”
Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief issued the response after Trump threatened military retaliation if Iran disrupts global oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Larijani, in a post on X on Tuesday, said the Iranian nation would not be frightened by the warning from the United States.
“The Ashura-loving nation of Iran does not fear your paper threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Watch out for yourself—lest you be eliminated,” he wrote.
Trump had earlier warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran interferes with oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane.
He wrote, “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them – But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
