Iranian nation shall not be scared by these things, will deliver strong punch to anyone who attacks and harasses it: Khamenei warns Trump

TEHRAN: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any aggression or attack on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be met with a firm and decisive response. "We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, ‍but the Iranian nation will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses them. (Trump) regularly says that he brought ships. The Iranian nation shall not be scared by these things, the Iranian people will not be stirred by these threats,” Khamenei said. The response comes amid US President Donald Trump's threat.

Khamenei labeled the nationwide protests, which began around December 28, 2025, as a "sedition" and "similar to a coup". He claimed the goal of the protesters was to "destroy sensitive and effective centres involved in running the country". He accused foreign powers, specifically naming the United States and Israel, of inciting the protests and orchestrating the unrest to cause chaos. Khamenei stated that the "coup was suppressed" and that pro-government rallies held in response "shattered the foreign enemies' plots".

At the same time, President Trump is pushing for a new nuclear deal with Iran, suggesting "serious" talks are underway while simultaneously keeping military options on the table. While Trump suggests Iran wants to avoid conflict, Iran has not confirmed direct negotiations and maintains that it will not negotiate "under the shadow of threats".

Iran's parliament has approved a resolution to designate the European Union's forces as terrorists in retaliation for the European Union's designation of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Iran has decided not to hold naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz immediately. The naval exercises were scheduled to begin on Sunday.

Earthquake causes panic

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake has caused panic in southern Iran. The quake struck 24 km from the city of Azaluye in Bushehr province at 8:11 am local time on Sunday. There were no casualties or major damage.

Tremors were also felt in parts of the UAE, Qatar and Iraq. The quake struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, prompting speculation that Iran was conducting a secret nuclear test. Experts have dismissed this. Meanwhile, an explosion in an eight-story building in Bandar Abbas on Saturday was confirmed to have been caused by a gas leak. A child was killed in the explosion.