Khamenei Labels Attack on US Base as a "Heavy Slap"
In his first public remarks since a ceasefire halted the recent Iran-Israel conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the assault on the Al-Udeid Air Base a "heavy slap" to the face of the United States. The base, a critical hub for US military operations in the region, suffered damage during the strike, underscoring Tehran's strategic capabilities.
Strategic Reach and Future Threats
Khamenei emphasized Iran's ability to strike key US centers in the region, warning that such attacks could be repeated whenever Iran deems necessary. He stated, "The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price."
Context: The Ceasefire and Regional Conflict
The Supreme Leader’s statements arrived just two days after a ceasefire concluded a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, marking the fiercest confrontation in their decades-long enmity. His comments followed intense debates within the US regarding the damage inflicted by American strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure during the hostilities.
Rejecting US Claims of Success
Vowing steadfast resistance, Khamenei asserted that claims made by the American president exaggerated the impact of US military action. He remarked that the US "gained nothing" from the conflict, and its strikes had no significant effect on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Claiming Victory Over US and Israeli Interests
Without directly naming Israel, Khamenei credited Iran with delivering a devastating blow to what he termed the "fallacious Zionist regime." He congratulated the nation on what he described as a victory against the US regime, criticizing Washington’s intervention as ineffective despite its efforts to protect Israel.
"My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime. The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing," Khamenei said.
"With all that commotion and all those claims, the Zionist regime was practically knocked out and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic," he added.
These remarks highlight Tehran’s commitment to assert its influence in the region and signal a warning that any future aggression will be met with decisive retaliation.
