Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday of a “decisive response” to any “inappropriate action” over US claims of a Tehran-directed assassination plot.
“If American officials are entertaining any illusions, they should know that any inappropriate action – whether political or security related – will meet with the Iranian people’s decisive response,” he said in a speech in western Iran, according to his official website. Khamenei, who has already labeled the plot claims “absurd,” warned: “The Islamic republic of Iran will face off any plot, or destructive or obstructive measures, with all its might.”
The remarks came as US officials consult with allies and other countries on ratcheting up pressure on Iran, which is already subject to United Nations (UN) and US sanctions over its controversial nuclear programme. Iran has fiercely denied any involvement in the thwarted plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington. However US President Barack Obama has vowed Iran will pay a price for what he says is incontrovertible proof it had a hand in trying to contract a Mexican drug cartel to carry out the hit.
