Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on Friday criticised United States President Donald Trump, accusing him of “tyrannical” leadership and warning that, like past despots, he could face downfall.
Khamenei referenced historical rulers including Pharaoh, Nimrod and Iran’s former Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi saying they fell at the height of their arrogance and hubris.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Khamenei condemned what he described as the US president’s habit of judging the world with arrogance.
He drew parallels between contemporary global leadership and historical figures known for tyranny.
“The US president who judges arrogantly about the whole world should know that tyrants and arrogant rulers of the world such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, Mohammad Reza [Pahlavi] and other such rulers saw their downfall when they were at the peak of their hubris. He too will fall,” Khamenei wrote.
The remarks come amid longstanding tensions between Iran and the United States, characterised by diplomatic hostility, sanctions and sharp exchanges between senior officials of both countries.
Khamenei, Iran’s highest political and religious authority, has frequently criticised US foreign policy and leadership, often framing his comments in historical and ideological terms.
In June 2025, Trump reportedly praised an Israeli military strike on Iran, describing the attack as “excellent” and warning that further action could follow.
This was disclosed by ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl in an interview with Trump.
According to Karl, Trump said: “I think it’s been excellent… They got hit hard, very hard… And there’s more to come — a lot more.”
Trump’s comments came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following escalations between Iran and Israel.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had condemned what it described as a “blatant act of aggression” by Israel after military strikes on Iranian territory, including in Tehran.
