Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that United States President Donald Trump risks political and historical downfall, liken likeninging him to past tyrants whose actions ultimately led to their collapse.

Khamenei made the remarks while addressing a gathering in Tehran, where he criticised what he described as Trump’s confrontational policies, unilateral decisions and perceived disregard for international norms during and after his time in office.

According to the Iranian leader, history has repeatedly shown that leaders who rely on threats, sanctions and coercion to impose their will on other nations often meet an inglorious end.

“Those who imagine they can dominate the world through arrogance, intimidation and injustice should study history carefully,” Khamenei said. “Many before them behaved in the same way, and none escaped downfall.”

He accused Trump of pursuing policies that heightened global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, citing the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the imposition of what Iran calls “maximum pressure” sanctions.

Khamenei said such actions not only harmed Iran’s economy but also undermined trust in international agreements and institutions, adding that Washington’s approach had isolated the United States rather than Iran.

The Iranian leader further described Trump’s rhetoric and style of leadership as reminiscent of “tyrants of the past” who relied on force and threats instead of diplomacy and mutual respect.

He maintained that Iran had endured years of sanctions and pressure and would continue to resist what he termed foreign bullying, stressing that resilience and self-reliance remained central to the country’s strategy.

Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House, has repeatedly defended his Iran policy, arguing that tough sanctions weakened Tehran and curtailed its regional influence.

He has also warned of harsher measures should Iran pursue nuclear weapons, an allegation Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

Relations between Tehran and Washington deteriorated sharply during Trump’s presidency, marked by tit-for-tat sanctions, military tensions in the Gulf and the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

Analysts say Khamenei’s comments reflect continued mistrust between the two countries and underscore Iran’s opposition to any future U.S. administration that might revive similar hardline policies.

Despite occasional diplomatic signals under subsequent U.S. leadership, Iran has insisted that any improvement in relations must begin with the lifting of sanctions and respect for agreements already signed.

Observers note that the latest remarks are likely aimed at both a domestic audience, to reinforce Iran’s resistance narrative, and an international one, as political uncertainty grows in the United States ahead of future elections.