U.S. President Donald Trump has raised tensions with Iran once again, vowing fresh military action if the country resumes its suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons. In a fiery post on his Truth Social account Friday, Trump claimed he had the chance to eliminate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the recent conflict with Israel but deliberately chose not to.

According to Trump, he knew exactly where Khamenei was hiding during the peak of the 12-day bombing campaign that began on June 13. The former president said he stopped both American and Israeli forces from striking, but received nothing but disdain in return.

“I protected his life, and what do I get? Hatred and lies,” Trump said, expressing frustration over what he called a lack of appreciation from Iran’s leadership.

His comments come as Iran prepares a massive state funeral in Tehran for 60 people mostly top military officials and nuclear scientists , killed during Israeli air raids. Authorities say over 600 civilians were also killed, including women and children, as airstrikes struck residential areas in the capital.

Trump added that he had recently been considering easing sanctions on Iran, but halted those discussions following what he described as Tehran’s “hostile rhetoric.” He accused Iran of rejecting diplomatic efforts and instead responding with aggression.

Iran has pushed back, denying any return to nuclear talks and refusing a request by the UN’s atomic energy chief to inspect bombed facilities. Officials in Tehran have also criticized the UN for staying silent during the Israeli and U.S. strikes.

Khamenei, making his first public appearance since the ceasefire, dismissed Trump’s narrative. He declared Iran victorious in its confrontation with Israel and accused Washington of exaggerating the conflict’s impact for political reasons.

The funeral procession on Saturday is expected to draw large crowds and emotional scenes in Tehran, as the country buries prominent military figures, civilians, and children lost in the conflict.

Despite the uneasy truce, Trump’s message was clear: if Iran makes any moves toward weapon-grade uranium enrichment, the U.S. will respond with force.

“We won’t wait. If they cross the line, we hit,” he said.

With both nations trading accusations and tensions still high, fears remain that the ceasefire could collapse and trigger a new wave of violence.