Tehran’s top diplomat denounced the US president’s “derogatory language” during a new round of tensions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran’s leadership “scum” and “violent people.”
The spat came as the US resumed strikes in Iran in the most serious flare-up of hostilities since the countries signed a preliminary peace framework last month.
“Addressing the Civilized and Courageous Nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its Greatness,” Araghchi wrote on X on Wednesday evening.
“Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valor,” he added.
Although the diplomat did not mention Trump by name, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV said he was responding to comments the US president made earlier that day during a NATO summit in Türkiye.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said he considered the ceasefire with Iran to be “over.”
“I don’t want to deal with them any more. They’re scum,” Trump said. “They’re led by sick people and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” he added.
The US struck targets in Iran for the second consecutive night on Thursday in what Trump called “retribution” for attacks on commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
