After an extended absence during the military crisis, Iran’s Supreme Leader reappeared looking notably frail and aged. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s first public statement since the conflict began revealed the physical toll of weeks in secure hiding.
The Iranian leader’s televised address disputed American claims about obliterating Iran’s nuclear program while acknowledging extensive damage. Nuclear watchdog officials confirmed that US military strikes had caused considerable harm to multiple atomic facilities using bunker-buster technology.
Khamenei emphasized Iran’s strike against US forces in Qatar as proof of his country’s ability to exact a heavy price for American aggression. He described this action as both successful retaliation and warning that Iranian forces could target US interests throughout the Middle East.
The ceasefire agreement has provided both countries with breathing room while they maintain their hostile stances. Iran has begun the process of normalizing operations, including partial airspace reopening and restoration of civilian activities, while facing enormous challenges in nuclear reconstruction.
