After remaining hidden during the recent military confrontation, Iran’s Supreme Leader emerged to dispute American claims about his country’s nuclear capabilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared visibly aged and spoke with evident difficulty, reflecting the strain of the prolonged crisis.
The 86-year-old leader challenged President Trump’s characterization of the nuclear strikes as completely obliterating Iranian atomic capabilities. However, international nuclear inspectors confirmed extensive damage to multiple facilities, describing the destruction as “very, very considerable.”
Khamenei presented Iran’s strike against US forces in Qatar as evidence of his country’s ability to project power despite the bombardment. He described this action as a “slap” to American prestige and demonstration that Iranian military effectiveness remained intact.
The ceasefire has provided both nations with an opportunity to avoid wider conflict while maintaining their hostile positions. Iran has begun the process of recovery, including partial airspace reopening and restoration of normal activities, while reducing cooperation with international nuclear oversight agencies.