Iran vows revenge as Trump threatens overwhelming retaliation

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday vowed revenge for the US-Israeli killing of his father and predecessor, escalating a confrontation already testing a fragile interim deal. Reaction pending, with the geopolitical risk centered on the Gulf, US military posture and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei issued his first message since Ali Khamenei’s funeral this week, saying Iran’s response did not depend on whether he or other officials remained in office. Officials said Iran had drawn up a list of individuals to be targeted.

Hormuz dispute strains Islamabad truce

President Donald Trump warned earlier that any attempt to assassinate him would trigger sweeping US retaliation against Iran. He said orders had already been given and that US forces were prepared for a one-year period, subject to extension.

The threats followed exchanges of fire that disrupted the June 18 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, an interim arrangement meant to halt the war that began on February 28. Officials said US strikes this week hit about 90 targets in Iran after accusations that Tehran had targeted three vessels. Iran’s health ministry said 17 people were killed and 115 injured.

Diplomacy has not collapsed, but it is narrowing. Officials said a Qatari delegation visited Iran on Friday to reinforce mediation, while Iran’s foreign minister argued Tehran had complied with the agreement and said only mutual compliance could hold.

The main unresolved issue is the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed to commercial shipping during the war. If mediation restores access, pressure on Gulf energy flows could ease; if threats turn into attacks, Iran faces heavier US strikes while the wider industry confronts renewed shipping, insurance and supply risks. By Sunday, July 12, the key signal will be whether mediators announce another direct or indirect meeting.