Following nearly two weeks in secure hiding, Iran’s Supreme Leader made his first televised appearance looking notably aged. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s speech revealed the physical strain of the crisis, with the leader speaking in a hoarse voice and occasionally struggling with words.
The Iranian leader’s address disputed American assertions about destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities while acknowledging significant facility damage. UN nuclear inspectors confirmed extensive destruction to multiple atomic sites, though they stopped short of declaring complete program elimination.
Khamenei highlighted Iran’s strike against US forces in Qatar as evidence of his country’s regional retaliation capabilities. He described this action as warning to the United States about the vulnerability of American interests throughout the Middle East.
The ceasefire has provided both nations with an opportunity to step back from wider conflict while maintaining their hostile stances. Iran has begun the process of recovery, including partial airspace reopening and restoration of civilian activities, while facing enormous challenges in nuclear reconstruction.
