Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump should not use a "disrespectful tone" for the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, if the US aims to negotiate a deal with the Islamic Republic. Taking a jibe at Israel over US action on Iranian nuclear facilities during the conflict, the Iranian foreign minister said that Tel Aviv “had no choice but to run to ‘Daddy’ to avoid being flattened by Iranian missiles”.

Emphasising that Iran does not respond well to threats and insults, Aragchi warned that Iran would not hesitate to reveal its true capabilities.

‘Daddy’ is reference to NATO chief Mark Rutte who used this word while describing the US president’s response to Israel and Iran’s military conflict. “And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language to get [them to] stop,” Rutte was quoted as saying – also prompting a response from Donald Trump himself.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Iranian Foreign Minister wrote, “The complexity and tenacity of Iranians are famously known in our magnificent carpets, woven through countless hours of hard work and patience. But as a people, our basic premise is very simple and straightforward: we know our worth, value our independence, and never allow anyone else to decide our destiny."

He added, "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers."

Appreciating Iran's retaliation, Araghchi wrote, "The Great and Powerful Iranian People, who showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO CHOICE but to RUN to "Daddy" to avoid being flattened by our Missiles, do not take kindly to Threats and Insults. If Illusions lead to worse mistakes, Iran will not hesitate to unveil its Real Capabilities, which will certainly END any delusion about the Power of Iran."

His post concluded with, “Good will begets good will, and respect begets respect.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday (US time) that the Trump administration is dedicated to diplomacy and peace, emphasising that the US remains in close contact with Iran.

Leavitt during a press briefing said, "I spoke to our special envoy Witkoff at length this morning and I can assure all of you we continue to be in close communication with the Iranians and through our intermediaries as well, namely the Qataris, who have been an incredible ally and partner throughout this entire effort. As I said, this administration is always focused on diplomacy and peace, and we want to ensure we can get to a place where Iran agrees to a non-enrichment civil nuclear program."

Her remarks come after the US carried out ‘precision’ strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer.

(With inputs from ANI)