Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to the United States on Thursday, asserting that Washington "gained nothing" from recent military confrontations with Tehran and suffered a "harsh slap" in regional conflicts. The remarks, broadcast via state-run IRIB TV, come amid heightened tensions following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Khamenei vowed that any future U.S. attack would trigger retaliatory strikes on American military bases across the Middle East. He specifically referenced Iran's previous targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar – the largest U.S. military installation in the region – following Washington's involvement in Israeli-led operations.
"The Islamic Republic slapped America in the face," Khamenei stated, emphasizing that aggression against Iran would incur "great cost." The speech marks the leader's first public address since regional de-escalation efforts began.
Analysts suggest the rhetoric underscores Tehran's strategy to position itself as a regional power capable of countering Western military presence, while simultaneously navigating complex ceasefire arrangements.
