Tehran’s top diplomat denounced the US president’s “derogatory language” during a new round of tensions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran’s leadership “scum” and “violent people.”
The spat came as the US resumed strikes in Iran in the most serious flare-up of hostilities since the countries signed a preliminary peace framework last month.
“Addressing the Civilized and Courageous Nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its Greatness,” Araghchi wrote on X on Wednesday evening.
“Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valor,” he added.
Although the diplomat did not mention Trump by name, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV said he was responding to comments the US president made earlier that day during a NATO summit in Türkiye.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said he considered the ceasefire with Iran to be “over.”
“I don’t want to deal with them any more. They’re scum,” Trump said. “They’re led by sick people and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” he added.
The US struck targets in Iran for the second consecutive night on Thursday in what Trump called “retribution” for attacks on commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said the renewed attacks violated the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17 and vowed to retaliate.
Although Tehran has not officially admitted responsibility for the attacks on three tankers earlier this week, Iranian media cited officials as saying that the targeted ships attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.
The US and Iran have clashed over the interpretation of the MoU. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to “make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels” through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran and Oman were to begin negotiations to “define the future administration and maritime services” in the waterway. Tehran has repeatedly insisted that it has the right to regulate traffic and collect tolls.
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