Khamenei Warns of Retaliation as Iran Claims Victory Over U.S. and Israel

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning Thursday, vowing to strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East if Washington mounts another attack. In his first televised remarks since a ceasefire with Israel, Khamenei claimed a symbolic victory, highlighting Iran’s missile strike on the largest American base in Qatar after the U.S. supported Israeli offensives.

“The Islamic Republic slapped America in the face,” Khamenei declared, speaking from an undisclosed location. “This can be repeated if necessary.”

The 86-year-old leader accused U.S. President Donald Trump of pushing for Iran’s surrender, stating, “America won’t be satisfied with anything less, but that will never happen.”

Despite Trump’s claims that 30,000-pound bombs “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities, Khamenei dismissed the impact, asserting that the U.S. “gained no achievement” and only intervened to prevent Israel’s collapse under Iranian missile strikes.

Tensions soared earlier this month as Iran broke through Israel’s advanced air defense systems. Tehran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful, despite long-standing Western suspicions.

Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s ability to target “important American centers in the region” is a strategic advantage. His message followed a controversial Israeli declaration of “historic victory,” and a post by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reaffirmed U.S.-Israel unity with an image of himself and Trump.

Khamenei’s remarks underscore a dangerous new phase in Middle East tensions, as both Iran and the U.S. double down on their narratives. With the ceasefire holding for now, global attention remains fixed on whether this calm will last — or if the region is bracing for the next escalation.