In his first public remarks since the US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to Washington, declaring that Iran’s missile strike on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar was a “heavy slap to the US’s face” and could be repeated if provoked.
“We Can Strike Again,” Says Khamenei
Speaking via a televised address and a series of posts on X, Khamenei claimed that Iran’s retaliatory strike during the recent 12-day conflict demonstrated its strategic reach and military readiness.
“The Islamic Republic delivered a heavy slap to the US’s face,” he said, adding that Iran has access to key US centers in the region and can act “whenever it deems necessary”.
He emphasized that any future aggression would be met with a “heavy price”, reinforcing Iran’s deterrence posture.
Celebrating “Victory” Over Israel and the US
Without naming Israel directly, Khamenei referred to it as a “fallacious Zionist regime”, claiming it was “crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic.” He also accused the US of entering the war to save Israel but “achieving nothing”.
“The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed,” he said.
Ceasefire After 12 Days of Escalation
The remarks come just days after a fragile ceasefire ended the most intense Iran-Israel conflict in decades. The war saw US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by Iran’s missile retaliation targeting American assets in the Gulf.
Khamenei’s comments also follow speculation about his health and absence from public view during the conflict. His reappearance signals a renewed effort to project strength amid regional volatility.
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