Supreme Leader of Iran threatens US with ‘severe blow’

His words come as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran.

In a televised speech, Khamenei said: "If the U.S. or anyone else commits any malicious act against Iran, they will receive a severe blow."

His harsh words come after Donald Trump's statement on Monday, saying that Iran would be held responsible for Houthi attacks.

The Iran-backed group have ramped up military actions in Yemen, which has prompted US airstrikes.

The Yemen-based Houthis have targeted both Israeli and US shipping routes, which has led to US retaliation.

On Friday, Khamenei dismissed claims from the US that regional groups such as the Houthis and Hezbollah are Iranian proxies.

He said: "The Yemeni nation and resistance groups have their own motivations. Iran doesn't need proxies."

In a post on social media, Trump said: "Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom.

“No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

In a more recent post, he added: "Iran will be held responsible and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!"

Iran faces the threat of attacks on its nuclear program from Israel, possibly with the support of the US.

Trump sent a letter to the Supreme Leader earlier this month, urging Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program, with the threat of military action should they refuse.

The letter was called "more of a threat" by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

However, he did add that the letter presented opportunities and that Tehran is evaluating its response.