Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites failed to achieve anything, claiming they didn’t significantly harm the country’s nuclear

program. In a televised address, Khamenei also warned that Iran would strike US bases again if attacked.

This was Khamenei’s first public appearance since a ceasefire was reached between Iran and Israel on Tuesday. He described Iran’s retaliation on a US airbase in Qatar as a “heavy blow,” though no one was killed and the base was undamaged.

In contrast, US officials said the strikes were a success. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said they “set back” Iran’s nuclear program by years, with key sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan reportedly rendered inoperable.

President Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capability, but has pushed back against reports suggesting the damage was less severe. There’s also speculation that Iran moved enriched uranium before the attacks.

Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. However, after the strikes, its parliament voted to cut cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, halting inspections.

Over 600 Iranians and 28 Israelis were reported killed during the 12-day conflict before the US helped broker a ceasefire. Photo by Apcbg, Wikimedia commons.