Iran’s Supreme Leader made his first public appearance since the outbreak of hostilities, looking significantly more aged and speaking with evident difficulty. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s televised address revealed the physical toll of the recent crisis while maintaining Iran’s confrontational stance toward the United States.
The 86-year-old leader challenged President Trump’s assertions about the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though international inspectors confirmed extensive damage to multiple facilities. The strikes, utilizing advanced bunker-buster technology, have undoubtedly set back Iran’s nuclear program by years, according to weapons experts.
Iran’s successful strike against American forces in Qatar was presented by Khamenei as evidence of his country’s ability to project power across the region. He characterized this action as both retaliation for US aggression and a warning that American interests remain vulnerable to Iranian military capabilities.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin normalizing operations, with partial airspace reopening and gradual restoration of civilian activities. However, the country faces the enormous task of rebuilding its damaged nuclear infrastructure while navigating continued international pressure and potential future conflicts.