Iran’s Khamenei Vows Retaliation: ‘We Slapped America in the Face’

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned of a “crushing response” to any future attacks by Israel and the US, emphasizing that enemies of the Islamic Republic will face significant retaliation. In a televised address, Khamenei vowed that Iran would strike back at American military bases in the Middle East if attacked again.

Khamenei claimed victory after a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, stating that Iran’s missile strike on a key US military installation in Qatar was a significant incident that can be repeated in the future if necessary. He dismissed US President Donald Trump’s calls for surrender, saying such an event will never happen.

The supreme leader also emphasized that the US gained nothing from attacking Iranian nuclear sites, but rather entered the war to “save” Israel after Tehran’s missiles broke through Israel’s defense system. Iran’s allies, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, have been severely hurt by ongoing Israeli attacks.

In response to Khamenei’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic victory” after a fragile ceasefire took effect, claiming Israel had removed Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat. Netanyahu also posted a message with a picture of himself and Trump, saying they will continue to work together to defeat their common enemies.

Tensions remain high in the region, with the US military operating bases throughout the Middle East and deploying additional forces, including a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery in Israel, to deter Iran and its militant allies. 

(With Reuters reporting)