United States President Donald Trump has crossed ‘a very dangerous red line’ by authorising the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told CNN in an interview on Sunday. Khatibzadeh described the strike as a reckless escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security.

“From a religious and moral perspective, Khamenei was a pivotal figure for Shiite Muslims worldwide. His assassination will inevitably provoke responses from millions of followers across the Middle East and beyond,” Khatibzadeh said. “President Trump has passed a line that cannot be ignored, and the repercussions of this decision will be significant.”

The Iranian official emphasised that Tehran sees no alternative but to retaliate. “We are left with no choice. Iran will defend its sovereignty and respond to this aggression in the manner we deem necessary,” he said, stressing that the country’s response would be measured but firm.

Waves of retaliatory strikes hit US targets

Following Saturday’s operation, Iran unleashed an unprecedented series of retaliatory strikes targeting American military positions across the region, including bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The strikes caused civilian casualties, widespread property damage, and major disruptions to transportation, including air and maritime traffic.

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Khatibzadeh explained that Iran had reached out diplomatically to Gulf Arab states to demand the closure of US facilities that Tehran views as persistent threats. “We communicated clearly: either these American bases, which are continually used to threaten Iran, must be shut down, or we are forced to take action. Our patience has limits,” he said.

He further clarified that Iran lacks the capacity to strike the continental United States directly. “Since reaching American soil is not possible, we are left with no other option but to target sites under US jurisdiction in the region,” Khatibzadeh said.

Diplomacy still possible, but trust severely eroded

Asked whether diplomatic solutions remain viable, Khatibzadeh expressed skepticism, pointing to a history of perceived American provocations. “The United States has repeatedly disappointed Iran through its actions. There was no necessity for this aggression, which could have been avoided if dialogue had been respected,” he said. “This conflict was a war of choice initiated by the US, and now Iran must defend itself.”

Casualties in Israel after Iranian missile strike

The escalation and the killing of Iranian supreme leader have already impacted civilian populations. Israeli emergency services reported nearly 20 injuries after an Iranian missile struck a residential building near Jerusalem. Among the injured were two critically wounded individuals, including a 10-year-old girl, and several others with serious or moderate injuries. Rescue teams were seen extinguishing fires and tending to the wounded amid smoke and debris at the site.

This incident marks one of the few direct hits on Israeli territory amid broader Iranian retaliatory operations, which have mainly targeted military positions in the region. Authorities are closely monitoring ongoing missile threats and preparing emergency responses.

Israel strikes Tehran as Iran vows further retaliation

Meanwhile, Israel has escalated its own military campaign by launching renewed strikes on strategic targets in Tehran, including military installations and government sites. Iran has vowed to continue retaliatory actions, framing its campaign as a defense of national honour and a direct response to the killing of its supreme leader.

Regional security analysts warn that the cycle of attacks could spiral into a wider confrontation, threatening the stability of the Middle East and impacting global energy markets. Khatibzadeh concluded, “This is not the end; it is only the beginning of a sequence of actions and reactions that will shape the security landscape of our region for months to come.”