An Iranian official on Friday sharply criticised the United States amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, warning that any use of force would be met with a “harsh response,” as a wider regional conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel continues under a fragile ceasefire.‘In a post on X, Iranian politician Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei launched a sharp attack on the US saying, “Instead of engaging in low-value psychological games and electoral rhetoric with the help of their fine lawyers”.Lashing out directly at US President Donald Trump, he said, “They should climb out of the pit that the child-killer has dug for them, pay reparations for the assault, and return to their own land. Iran claims to be a proponent of peace and friendship in the world, but if anyone speaks to this nation in the language of force, they will receive a harsh slap.”He accused Washington of engaging in what he described as “low-value psychological games” and election-driven rhetoric, and alleged that US leadership is relying heavily on legal advisers in shaping its crisis response. Tabatabaei further demanded that the United States pay reparations for recent attacks and called for a reversal of its regional posture, intensifying the tone of confrontation.The exchange comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with tentative signals of de-escalation being overshadowed by increasingly sharp rhetoric from all sides, raising concerns over the durability of the truce.Tabatabaei also reiterated Iran’s stated position that it supports peace and friendly relations globally. However, he stressed that any approach based on “force” would be met with a “harsh response,” pointing to Tehran’s stated readiness to retaliate if provoked and further highlighting the fragility of current diplomatic efforts.The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel following weeks of hostilities that have left the ceasefire under strain.
