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Trump Condemns Khamenei, Claims Attack Wouldn't Have Happened Under His Watch

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 12:04 GMT by NBC Los Angeles
      Locales: IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), UNITED STATES

New York, NY - March 17th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump today sharply condemned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Saturday's unprecedented direct attack on Israel, escalating rhetoric surrounding the volatile situation in the Middle East. Speaking to a national audience, Trump labeled Khamenei a "terrible" and "very dangerous" person, and asserted that the attacks would not have occurred had he remained in office.

The former president's comments, made during a Fox News Sunday interview, follow a weekend of heightened anxiety as Israel intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Iran and its proxies. This retaliatory strike from Iran comes after Israel's recent attack on a military facility within Iranian territory, marking a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two nations.

"He's a terrible person. He's a very dangerous person," Trump reiterated, emphasizing his disapproval of the Supreme Leader. "And what he's done is so bad." He further claimed, "This wouldn't have happened if I were in office. This wouldn't have happened. And we'd have it under control."

Beyond the Immediate Condemnation: A Look at Trump's Past Iran Policy & Future Implications

Trump's statements are heavily imbued with the context of his previous administration's approach to Iran. During his presidency, Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. He argued the deal was insufficient in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and imposed a "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. This strategy aimed to cripple Iran's economy and force it back to the negotiating table for a more stringent agreement. While proponents of the JCPOA argued it effectively limited Iran's nuclear program, Trump consistently maintained that it was a flawed agreement that emboldened Iranian aggression.

The "maximum pressure" campaign, while initially successful in reducing Iranian oil exports, ultimately failed to fundamentally alter Iran's behavior. Critics argued that the sanctions disproportionately hurt the Iranian people and fueled resentment, leading to increased regional instability. Many analysts now suggest the withdrawal from the JCPOA created a power vacuum that emboldened hardliners within Iran and contributed to the current escalation.

Today, Trump's suggestion that he would have "it under control" raises questions about what specific actions he would take if returned to the White House. Observers speculate a second Trump administration could revisit the "maximum pressure" strategy, potentially coupled with increased military posturing in the region. However, the landscape has drastically changed since 2018. Iran is reportedly closer to nuclear capability than ever before, and regional alliances have shifted significantly.

Global Response and the Threat of Wider Conflict

The current crisis has triggered a wave of international diplomacy. The United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies have expressed strong condemnation of Iran's actions and reaffirmed their commitment to Israel's security. However, there is also a growing chorus of calls for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. The potential for a wider regional conflict is a major concern, with the involvement of proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen adding further complexity to the situation.

Experts warn that a miscalculation by any party could quickly spiral into a broader war, potentially drawing in multiple nations. The destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, even in a limited strike, could lead to retaliatory attacks on vital infrastructure in the region and beyond. The economic consequences of such a conflict would be devastating, impacting global energy markets and supply chains.

The Road Ahead: Diplomacy or Escalation?

The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future of the Middle East. The international community is focused on preventing further escalation and finding a diplomatic solution. However, the deep-seated animosity between Israel and Iran, coupled with the political rhetoric from figures like Donald Trump, makes a peaceful resolution increasingly difficult. Whether the current crisis will serve as a catalyst for renewed dialogue or a descent into a full-scale regional conflict remains to be seen. The weight of responsibility falls on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation in the face of mounting tensions.