Iran reacts to Trump claim it could destroy Los Angeles, San Diego as he was defending war on Tehran

According to a report by Al Jazeera English on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran could attack the American cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, with a senior Iranian diplomat describing the alleged threat as an attempt to instil fear among the American public.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticised Trump’s remarks in a post on X, dismissing the claims about possible Iranian strikes on the US West Coast as imaginary and part of a broader effort to create public anxiety.

Baghaei described the president’s comments as an example of using fear for political purposes. He argued that the threat facing Americans did not originate from Iran but from what he characterised as a US leadership that had launched an unlawful war.

Trump’s remarks earlier in the week sparked criticism after he suggested that the destruction of Los Angeles or San Diego could be a small price to pay for what he described as a major victory against Tehran.

The comments have further intensified the exchanges between Washington and Tehran as the conflict continues to generate international concern.

Trump has maintained that defeating Iran is a major objective, while Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected US accusations and challenged attempts to portray their country as a direct threat to American cities.

Baghaei’s response reflects Tehran’s efforts to counter the US president’s statements and dispute the narrative surrounding Iran’s military capabilities and intentions.

The latest exchange comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, with competing statements from both sides adding to uncertainty over the conflict’s potential direction.

While Trump has defended his administration’s approach to the war, Iran continues to condemn Washington’s actions and reject claims that it poses a threat to major American population centres.

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