After remaining out of public view during the recent conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader reappeared looking notably frail. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s first public statement since the confrontation began revealed the toll of weeks in secure hiding during the military crisis.
The Iranian leader’s speech addressed the extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear program while disputing characterizations of complete US victory. UN nuclear watchdog officials confirmed that bunker-buster bombs had caused considerable harm to multiple atomic facilities across the country.
Khamenei presented Iran’s strike against US forces in Qatar as evidence that nuclear resistance continues despite apparent US victory. He described this action as successful demonstration that Iranian military capabilities remained effective despite the devastating bombardment.
The ceasefire agreement has provided both countries with breathing room while they maintain their hostile stances. Iran has begun the process of recovery, including partial airspace reopening and restoration of civilian activities, while facing significant challenges in nuclear reconstruction.