ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first televised address since the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, declared a symbolic victory for the Islamic Republic.
He claimed that Iran “dealt a severe slap to the face of America” and successfully withstood a 12-day war that included direct U.S. military involvement targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran’s Resilience and U.S. Involvement
Khamenei stated that the U.S. entered the conflict believing it could save Israel from destruction, but gained nothing from its intervention.
In retaliation, Iran launched a missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar following
American air raids that hit three key nuclear facilities in Iran.
Although Iran’s response caused no casualties, Khamenei warned that “any future aggression will be met with a heavy price.”
Mixed Messages from U.S. Leadership
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strikes as a “resounding success,” asserting that the operation crippled Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
President Donald Trump backed this claim, saying Iran’s nuclear program was set back by “decades,” despite conflicting reports suggesting the damage may have only delayed development by months.
Nuclear Sites and Global Fallout
The Pentagon-led operation targeted critical nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordo facility.
Reports from U.S. intelligence sources suggest some enriched uranium may have been relocated by Iran in anticipation of the attacks.
The conflicting assessments have sparked debate over the long-term impact of the strikes.
Possibility of Renewed Diplomacy
Despite the military escalation, Trump signaled the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations with Tehran as early as next week.
Iran also indicated a willingness to return to talks, while continuing to deny any pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Human Cost and Aftermath
Iran reported over 600 civilian casualties from the conflict, with Israel claiming 28 deaths from Iranian strikes.
A state funeral will be held in Tehran on Saturday for senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists killed in the war.
