08/07/2026
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08/07/2026
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TEHRAN/ANKARA, July 8: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Tehran would respond to threats with action rather than insults after US President Donald Trump described Iran's leaders as "scum" and warned of further military strikes.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the Iranian nation would not be diminished by derogatory language.
"Addressing the civilized and courageous nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness."
He added that Iranians are known for their civility and strong moral values.
"We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valor."
Araghchi's remarks came after Trump said the United States would "probably" launch fresh strikes against Iran following overnight attacks on Iranian targets in retaliation for attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said:
"We hit them very hard last night, very, very. Probably hit them hard again tonight."
The US president also dismissed prospects for further engagement with Tehran.
"I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum."
Earlier in the day, Trump declared that efforts to reach a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending the conflict were effectively finished.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
He again accused Iran's leadership of dishonesty, calling them "liars" and saying he no longer wished to negotiate with them.
The exchange marks a further escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran as both sides harden their rhetoric amid continuing military confrontations in the Gulf region.
