Iranian hardline newspaper calls Trump a 'deranged murderer' a day after threatening to execute IAEA chief Rafael Grossi

Iranian hardline newspaper, which stoked a controversy by calling for the execution of International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, has now unleashed an attack on US President Donald Trump, calling him "deranged" and a murderer.

Kayhan, one of the most influential newspapers in the Islamic Republic, ran an editorial on Monday, stating Trump needed "urgent medical treatment though many Americans have serious doubts that this deranged US president’s chronic brain disease is far from curable."

"By nature, a habitual liar, a filthy fraudster, and a dastardly murderer, he is devoid of any positive values, while his foul mouth and frequent use of four letter words are proof of his worsening psychological state," Kayhan wrote.  

"Trump the terrorist is an ingrate," the newspaper said, adding that the US President had "so far escaped justice" following his assassination of Qasem Soleimani and Iraq general, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. "The blood of martyrs sits heavily on his head, whether of Gaza or of Iran," the editorial read.

It further added that Iran and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "showed mercy to ordinary Israelis and the ordinary Americans, when the Islamic Republic was in a position to obliterate Yankee bases in the region and the illegal Zionist entity."

"The end of the 12-day war is a warning to both the Israelis and the Americans to pack up their bags and start leaving," the article added.

Kayhan's anger at Trump came after the US President said Khamenei made a “blatant and foolish” statement when the cleric-leader said Iran would repeat the " harsh slap" it dealt to American forces in the region when it fired missiles at a US base in Qatar. "You have to tell the truth," Trump said of Khamenei. "You got beat to hell."

This comes a day after Iran had to issue an explanation after Kayhan called for the execution of Grossi. Kayhan claimed unspecified documents showed Grossi to be an Israeli spy. "It should therefore be officially announced that he will be tried and executed upon arrival in Iran for spying for the Mossad and participating in the murder of the oppressed people of our country," the newspaper said.  

After the article came to the attention of the world, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations  Amir Saeid Iravani had to clarify that there was no threat to Grossi or the IAEA inspectors who are now in Iran. In an interview with CBS News, Iravani said: "No, there is no[t] any threat," Iravani said. He added that though Iran has decided not to cooperate with the IAEA anymore, there is no threat against Grossi. He then continued to clarify the statement that "maybe someone — it is individual — opinion of the people that may criticise the IAEA or threaten the general director."

He said the inspectors in Iran were "in safe conditions" but could not resume their inspection. "They are in Iran. They are in the safe condition, but the activity has been suspended. They cannot have access to our site."

On whether Iravani would condemn calls for the IAEA chief’s execution, the Iranian envoy said, "yeah," before saying something inaudible. 

Middle East