Israel and Iran are waging an existential battle. What does it mean for the US?: ANALYSIS When did Khamenei come to power? Kham

Calling out Trump directly, the Supreme Leader added: “The U.S. President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him. They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened. The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats.”

The cleric has ruled for more than three decades, spearheading a policy of backing proxy groups to wield influence across the Middle East.