Dubai: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Thursday, June 26, that his country delivered a “slap to America’s face” with its strike on a US airbase in Qatar, warning against any further attacks, as per a report by the Reuters.This marked Khamenei’s first public address since a ceasefire was declared with Israel after 12 days of war.
In a recorded video broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei appeared for the first time since June 19. Though his message was forceful, the 86-year-old leader, known for his commanding speeches, seemed more fatigued, speaking in a hoarse voice and occasionally stumbling over his words.
The speech, lasting over 10 minutes, was filled with warnings and threats aimed at the United States and Israel, the Islamic Republic’s longtime adversaries.
The supreme leader dismissed Sunday’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which involved bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles, asserting that President Donald Trump’s claim of “completely and fully obliterating Iran’s nuclear programme” was exaggerated. He said, “They could not achieve anything significant.” However, he did not mention the state of Iran’s nuclear program, facilities, or centrifuges after the extensive US and Israeli attacks.
Khamenei’s characterization of Monday’s US strike on the airbase in Qatar contrasted with US reports, which described it as a limited attack with no casualties. He stressed that Iran’s retaliation was significant, highlighting that the country has the capability to target important US centers in the region whenever necessary. “The Islamic Republic was victorious, delivering a hand slap to America’s face,” Khamenei said, adding, “This action can be repeated in the future.”
In response to Trump’s dismissal of the retaliatory strike as a “very weak response,” Khamenei warned that any further aggression would lead to a heavy price for the enemy.
Meanwhile, life in Iran gradually returned to normal after the ceasefire, with the country partially reopening its airspace for domestic and international flights. Tehran’s shops also began reopening, and traffic returned to the streets.
According to reports, 606 people were killed and 5,332 wounded in Iran, while Israeli strikes resulted in at least 1,054 deaths and 4,476 injuries. At least 28 people were killed in Israel, with more than 1,000 wounded. Iranian missiles were fired at Israel, with a reported 90% interception rate. In response, Israel targeted over 720 Iranian military infrastructure sites.
With hopes for peace talks, Trump suggested discussions with Iranian officials next week, although Iran has not acknowledged any such talks. In a tough decision, Iran’s parliament fast-tracked a proposal to stop cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further signaling their intent to continue their nuclear program.
