Iran’s Supreme Leader emerged from weeks of hiding to address the conflict’s aftermath and future threats. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared visibly weakened by the crisis, showing clear signs of strain from the prolonged military confrontation.
The 86-year-old leader’s televised speech focused on disputing American claims about the complete obliteration of Iran’s nuclear program. However, international nuclear inspectors confirmed that the attacks had caused enormous damage to Iranian atomic infrastructure using advanced military technology.
Iran’s retaliatory attack on American forces in Qatar was highlighted by Khamenei as evidence of his country’s ability to threaten future American targets. He characterized this action as demonstration that Iranian forces could target US interests throughout the Middle East whenever leadership deemed necessary.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin normalizing operations while signaling its intention to maintain confrontation. The country has partially reopened its airspace and begun restoring normal activities, while parliament moves to limit cooperation with international nuclear inspectors.