Trump warned Khamenei of the words after Iran's supreme spiritual leader called the US leader "the clowns" and criticized Europe.

"The man who is dubbed the supreme leader of Iran, recently not so supreme, has offensive words when talking about the US and Europe. Iran's economy is collapsing and people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words, "US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on January 17.

Earlier in a prayer session in Tehran, Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei said "the American clowns were lying that 'we are standing with the Iranians' so we should review who the Iranians are". Khamenei's criticism was directed at Trump's recent comments in support of protests in Iran and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Khamenei also criticized Britain, France and Germany for activating a dispute settlement mechanism in a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran on January 14, after the US threatened to impose a 25% tax on cars made in Europe. . German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer confirmed the US threat was real.

"The elite and loving Iranians of the United States deserve a government that helps them achieve their dreams rather than kill them when demanding respect. Instead of destroying Iran, its leaders should give up on terrorism. father and make Iran great again, "Trump wrote on Twitter.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after Washington's air strike killed Brigadier General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq on January 3. Iran raided missiles at US forces stationed at two bases in Iraq on January 8, injuring 11 soldiers. The US Treasury Department issued a new sanctions on January 10 targeting 8 senior officials and 17 Iranian businesses.