Iran's supreme leader warns US suspends interim deal

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a sharp warning to the United States on July 18, 2026, declaring that Iran and its regional allies hold "unforgettable lessons" for Washington if American military strikes continue. The statement, read on state television and posted to social media, came as both nations exchanged a new round of attacks targeting infrastructure and military assets, further escalating a conflict centered on control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei's message focused on the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed by the presidents of Iran and the U.S. approximately one month ago. He accused the United States of repeatedly violating the agreement, which he said proved that President Donald Trump's signature was "utterly worthless and devoid of credibility." He described bullying and unreliability as inseparable components of American foreign policy.

The verbal escalation followed a concrete diplomatic move by Tehran. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Iran was suspending all its commitments under the interim deal, citing American violations. This declaration effectively snapped one of the last...