By By Elizabeth Ugbo
US President Donald Trump has crossed a “very dangerous red line” by killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Sunday during an exclusive interview with CNN. He spoke from Tehran, warned of global Shiite reactions, and declared that Iran will respond to what he described as a US-initiated war.
Iran Warns of Global Shiite Reaction
Khatibzadeh said the killing of Khamenei would trigger widespread anger among Shiite Muslims worldwide.
According to him, Khamenei was not only a political leader but also a major religious figure. Therefore, many Shiite followers across the Middle East and beyond could react strongly.
“President Trump passed a very dangerous red line,” Khatibzadeh said.
He added that Iran has no option but to respond.
Tehran Threatens US Military Bases
Furthermore, the Iranian official revealed that Tehran has contacted Gulf Arab states.
He urged them to shut down American military bases in their countries. Iran considers those bases a direct threat.
“We communicated with them,” he said. “Either shut down those American bases, or we will push back.”
Khatibzadeh stressed that Iran cannot directly strike American soil. However, he warned that Iran could target US bases under American jurisdiction in the region.
Diplomacy in Doubt
When asked about diplomacy, Khatibzadeh expressed deep frustration.
He said the United States has disappointed Iran several times. As a result, trust between both nations has collapsed.
“There was no necessity to start this aggression,” he stated.
He also described the conflict as a “war of choice.”
“If President Trump did not want Iran to hit back, he should not have started this war,” Khatibzadeh added.
Rising Tensions Between Washington and Tehran
The remarks signal rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Analysts warn that any retaliation could destabilize the Gulf region. Moreover, attacks on US bases could draw neighboring countries into the conflict.
For now, global leaders watch closely as the situation unfolds.
