Iran’s Khamenei: America Is Being Led by ‘First-Class Idiots’
Supreme leader condemns “unprecedented” pressure on his country via U.S. sanctions.

Reuters / Handout
Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched an extraordinary attack on the Trump administration, saying “first-class idiots” are in charge of making U.S. government policy. In a strongly worded statement against U.S. sanctions on Iran, Khamenei said the economic measures are placing “unprecedented” pressure on his country. Last year, Trump pulled out of an international pact on Iran’s nuclear program and re-imposed sanctions intended to disrupt the country’s oil exports, missile programs, and influence in the Middle East. “The sanctions do put pressure on the country and the people,” Khamenei said Wednesday, adding: “The Americans happily say that these sanctions are unprecedented in history. Yes, they’re unprecedented. And the defeat that the Americans will face will be unprecedented, God willing.” The angry statement went on to lambast Trump administration officials for their approach to Iran, with the supreme leader saying: “They are first-class idiots.”
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.