Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei Warns U.S. Will 'Pay a Price'; U.S. Issues Global Travel Alert Over Escalating Middle East Conflict

The U.S.-Iran conflict continues to escalate. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has criticized the United States for violating the ceasefire memorandum, vowing to deliver an 'unforgettable lesson' to Washington. Tehran has also announced it will cease fulfilling related commitments. Meanwhile, the U.S. has issued a global travel advisory, reflecting heightened tensions in the Middle East and worsening regional security risks.

According to Iranian media, Iran's state-run television broadcast a written statement on Saturday (18th) attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the United States would 'taste an unforgettable lesson' at the hands of Tehran and its regional allies, accusing Washington of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last month.

In the statement, Mojtaba said the U.S. violation of the MoU proves that U.S. President Trump's signature is 'completely worthless and ineffective.'

The statement declared: 'The “Great Satan” (U.S.) has repeatedly broken agreements, once again proving to the world that the U.S. President's signature is now completely worthless and ineffective; bullying, hegemony, and barbarism are inseparable parts of the American creed and policy.'

It added: 'Since the American enemy insists on provoking war and is prepared to bear heavier costs and greater humiliation, it should know that the great Iranian nation and the “Axis of Resistance” will give it an unforgettable lesson.'

The U.S. significantly escalated its military actions this week, targeting civilian infrastructure such as bridges, railways, and desalination plants. In response, Tehran attacked civilian facilities within Kuwait, prompting local authorities to urge residents to conserve electricity.

The war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in February has been viewed by Iranian leadership as an existential threat to the nation. Despite ongoing behind-the-scenes mediation by regional countries seeking to end the conflict, Tehran has so far refused to concede to the Trump administration's escalating demands.

Mojtaba stated that the U.S. has 'revealed its true face,' exposing its 'deceitful, irrational, untrustworthy, and evil' nature. He urged Iranians to trust the leadership's ability to protect the nation and to remain 'vigilant' and 'proactively responsive' as the conflict continues.

Recent reports suggest that Yemen's Houthi rebels may blockade the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea to support their key ally Iran. Such a move could further disrupt global energy markets, fuel inflation, and increase pressure on the Trump administration to halt military operations.

Domestic U.S. public support for this war remains low, and the conflict is also damaging the American economy.

The memorandum, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan and signed last month, was intended to create conditions for ending the war and achieving a permanent ceasefire. However, Tehran and Washington have recently accused each other of violating the agreement and have both declared the memorandum 'terminated.'

According to Turkish news agency reports, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on Saturday that, given Washington's violation of the MoU commitments, Tehran has decided to suspend its obligations under the agreement.

He stated that the U.S. has ceased all commitments under the MoU framework, and Iran will no longer fulfill its related obligations. The current top priority, he emphasized, is to fully defend the nation.

Meanwhile, due to the escalating Middle East conflict, the U.S. State Department issued a global travel advisory on Saturday, urging all U.S. citizens worldwide to remain vigilant, especially those in the Middle East, to closely monitor changes in the security situation.

The State Department stated that the Middle East remains highly tense, with complex security risks and potential for further escalation, urging U.S. citizens abroad to continuously monitor updates and remain aware of their surroundings.

It also advised overseas U.S. citizens to follow security alerts and guidance issued by local U.S. embassies or consulates. The advisory warned that flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures could disrupt travel plans.

Additionally, it noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad have been attacked in the past, and pro-Iranian groups may target U.S. overseas interests or facilities and locations associated with the U.S. and American citizens in the future.