Iran has strongly criticized the United States following President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, where he stated that Iran is advancing its missile capabilities to threaten the US. In his speech, Trump labeled Iran as the 'world’s number one sponsor of terror' and claimed a staggering figure of 32,000 casualties occurred during protests in Iran in recent months. These statements elicited a sharp response from the Iranian foreign ministry, indicating a strong rejection of what they consider to be exaggerated and false claims from the US administration.

Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, challenged these allegations, emphasizing that they are merely a repetition of what he referred to as 'big lies.' He did not mention Trump directly, but his comments were made in the context of ongoing tensions between Iran and the US regarding nuclear and military capabilities. This public dispute is compounded further by the fact that the two nations are set to engage in discussions, suggesting that these remarks could impact diplomatic efforts between them.

The implications of this exchange are significant, as it highlights the deepening rift between the two nations and poses challenges for future negotiations. The setting of the allegations during a pivotal moment in US domestic politics raises questions about the role of international relations in domestic rhetoric. The Iranian response could further fuel tensions and might influence perceptions on both sides as they navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.