“Iran Leader Clarifies ‘Death to America’ Statement Is Directed at Trump, Not the Nation” – Reuters

DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that the chant of "Death to America" will persist as long as the United States maintains its adversarial stance towards Iran. He clarified that this slogan is aimed at President Donald Trump and U.S. officials rather than the American people.

During a gathering of Iranian Air Force officers commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Khamenei asserted, "As long as America continues its wickedness, the Iranian nation will not abandon ‘Death to America’."

Khamenei’s comments come in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions, which have adversely impacted Iran’s economy. He emphasized, "’Death to America’ signifies death to Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. It represents opposition to American rulers."

Although European signatories of the nuclear deal are attempting to salvage the agreement, Khamenei expressed skepticism regarding their reliability. He advised caution, stating, "One should not trust the Europeans just as the Americans." He added that while engagement with Europe is not discouraged, trust remains a significant concern.

The European Union has increased its criticism of Iran’s ballistic missile program while still supporting the continuity of the 2015 nuclear deal.