Khamenei’s Defiance Following US Strikes

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed strong opposition on Thursday against any new assaults, asserting that the US gained nothing from its military actions against Iran.

This was Khamenei’s first official response since the US targeted three Iranian nuclear sites last Saturday. He proclaimed Iran victorious in this conflict, contradicting President Trump’s assertion that the military operation was a “magnificent military success.”

“Congratulations to my dear Iran on the US administration,” Khamenei said during a speech lasting over ten minutes. He suggested that the US entered the conflict to protect the “Zionist regime,” but ultimately achieved nothing.

While Trump claimed that the airstrike “eliminates Iran’s nuclear program,” Khamenei dismissed this notion. He remarked, “The US President exaggerated the events in an unusual way, indicating that this exaggeration is, well, necessary,” according to reports.

“The US President said, ‘Iran must surrender.’ That statement is frankly too grand for the President of the United States,” Khamenei added.

The Supreme Leader’s remarks were aired on state media and marked his first public appearance since June 19. Reports noted that Khamenei appeared notably fatigued and occasionally stumbled over his words.

Khamenei also pointed out Iran’s retaliatory action against the US Air Force base in Qatar. “The Islamic Republic has dealt heavy blows to the US,” he stated, highlighting damage to Al Dade Air Force Base, a key US installation in the region.

He issued a warning of potential further repercussions for the United States. “The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to major US centers in the region is significant for taking action as necessary,” he said. “Such actions might be repeated if aggression occurs; the enemy will surely pay a heavy price.”

The White House was approached for comments following these developments.