Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed claims by former United States President Donald Trump that Washington destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, saying such statements are false and exaggerated.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei responded directly to Trump’s remarks, saying, “The US president proudly says they bombed and destroyed Iran’s nuclear industry. Very well, keep dreaming!” His comments mark the latest exchange in long-standing tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Khamenei’s statement came after Trump, speaking during a campaign rally in the United States, claimed that his administration had effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure through sanctions and targeted actions. The former president said the measures taken during his term had “crippled” Iran’s nuclear development.

Iran has consistently denied that its nuclear programme is intended for weaponization, maintaining that it is focused on peaceful purposes such as energy production and medical research. The country has also accused the US of spreading misinformation to justify its sanctions and withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Relations between the two nations deteriorated sharply after Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The deal, signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers, had placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Following the US withdrawal, Iran gradually scaled back its compliance with the agreement, increasing uranium enrichment and restricting international inspections. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has since expressed concern about limited access to Iranian nuclear sites and the rising levels of enriched uranium.

Khamenei’s remarks reflect Iran’s position that its nuclear programme remains intact despite US efforts to hinder it. Tehran has often stated that American policies, including sanctions and military threats, have failed to stop its technological and scientific progress.

As of now, the US government has not issued a formal response to Khamenei’s statement. However, American officials have previously maintained that sanctions and diplomatic pressure remain key tools in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The exchange between Khamenei and Trump underscores the ongoing strain in US-Iran relations, with both sides continuing to trade words over a programme that remains central to Middle Eastern and global security discussions.

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