In this handout image, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised speech from Tehran on Thursday, following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Reuters
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke for the first time since the ceasefire with Israel. In a video message aired on Thursday, he warned the U.S. and Israel of more attacks. He said Iran hit a U.S. air base in Qatar as a direct response.
Message to the U.S. and Israel
Khamenei said Iran “slapped America’s face” by targeting the base. He criticized the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. He also called U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments exaggerated. Trump claimed the strikes had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
Khamenei denied that claim. He said the strikes didn’t do much damage. But he did not mention how much of Iran’s nuclear program was affected.
U.S. Officials Respond to Iran
U.S. officials pushed back. A White House spokesperson said the airstrikes on Iran were very successful. The U.N. nuclear agency also confirmed the attacks caused heavy damage. The agency’s chief said it’s likely that Iran’s centrifuges no longer work. Iran’s foreign ministry also admitted that its facilities had been “badly damaged.”
Khamenei’s Health and Appearance
Khamenei, who is 86 years old, looked more tired than usual. He spoke in a hoarse voice. This was his first public message since June 19. Reports said he had gone into hiding after Israel attacked Iran on June 13.
Iran Claims U.S. Acted Out of Desperation
Khamenei said the U.S. joined the war to stop Israel from collapsing. “It entered the war to save them, yet it gained nothing,” he said.
He warned the U.S. again. “The Islamic Republic was victorious,” he said. “This action can be repeated in the future.” He warned that if there’s more aggression, Iran will respond again.
Life in Iran Begins to Return to Normal
As the ceasefire holds, daily life in Iran slowly resumes. The government reopened part of the country’s airspace. Shops and traffic in Tehran also started returning to normal.
Iran’s Ministry of Roads said flights had resumed in the eastern region. This included domestic and international flights.
Heavy Losses on Both Sides
Iran said over 600 people died during the 12-day war. A rights group reported over 1,000 deaths in Iran, including hundreds of civilians. In Israel, at least 28 people were killed and over 1,000 injured.
Iran launched more than 550 missiles at Israel, with Israel claiming a 90% interception rate. In return, Israel hit over 720 Iranian military targets and eight nuclear facilities.
Future Talks May Happen Soon
Trump said both countries may talk again soon. U.S. officials confirmed there has been direct and indirect contact. A meeting in Oman was canceled earlier this month after the Israeli strikes.
Iran, however, said it will not stop its nuclear work. Its parliament even voted to fast-track a plan to cut ties with the U.N. nuclear agency.
