DUBAI, June 26: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public remarks since a ceasefire was declared following 12 days of war with Israel. In a video message aired Thursday on state television, Khamenei warned the U.S. against further attacks and claimed Iran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a U.S. airbase in Qatar. He downplayed the impact of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling former President Donald Trump’s claim of “obliteration” an exaggeration. Notably, Khamenei made no mention of the actual condition of Iran’s nuclear program, which international officials say sustained severe damage.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the strikes caused “very considerable” damage to Iranian nuclear sites, though Director Rafael Grossi stopped short of calling it total destruction. Iran’s own Foreign Ministry admitted the facilities were “badly damaged.”
Khamenei, appearing visibly weaker than in previous addresses, had not been seen in public since June 13, when he reportedly took shelter following Israeli attacks targeting key Iranian figures and infrastructure. He criticized U.S. intervention in the conflict, saying Washington acted only to prevent Israel’s total defeat and warned that any future aggression would be met with serious consequences.
Following the ceasefire, Iran has begun to return to normalcy. Its airspace has partially reopened to both domestic and international flights, and shops and traffic have resumed in Tehran. Iranian officials reported 606 deaths and over 5,000 injuries during the war, while an independent human rights group cited higher numbers—over 1,050 dead and more than 4,400 wounded, including civilians and security forces.
In Israel, 28 people were reported killed and more than 1,000 injured. Iran fired more than 550 missiles at Israel, 90% of which were intercepted, according to Israeli sources. Israel responded with over 720 strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets.
While U.S. officials, including Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, hinted at possible upcoming talks with Iran, Tehran has not confirmed any such engagement. A previously scheduled sixth round of negotiations was canceled after Israel’s June 13 strikes. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament voted to fast-track legislation that would reduce cooperation with the IAEA, signaling defiance over international oversight of its nuclear program. (AP)
