Khamenei Breaks Silence After Ceasefire, Warns U.S. Against Future Strikes
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, re-emerged on June 26 to deliver a defiant warning to the United States following the fragile ceasefire with Israel. In his first public remarks since June 19, Khamenei claimed Iran had dealt a “slap to America’s face” and signalled Tehran’s readiness to retaliate again if provoked.
Canadian Viewers: What Time Did the Statement Air?
Khamenei’s pre-recorded speech was broadcast on Iranian state television Thursday, airing around midnight Tehran time, which is approximately:
- 4:30 p.m. EDT / 1:30 p.m. PDT (Canada)
- 3:30 p.m. CDT (Manitoba)
- 5:30 p.m. ADT (Atlantic)
This is the first time the 86-year-old leader has been seen publicly since taking shelter during the June 13 Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Khamenei Denies Major Damage, U.S. and UN Disagree
Khamenei dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that bunker-busting bombs and cruise missiles “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, stating they “could not achieve anything significant.” He avoided directly addressing Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, all reportedly targeted in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
But the UN nuclear watchdog contradicted his remarks. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed “very considerable” damage, while Iran’s own Foreign Ministry admitted key sites were “badly damaged.”
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Trump called Khamenei’s video a weak attempt to “save face” and reaffirmed that U.S. strikes had achieved their goal.
Iran Claims Retaliatory Strike on U.S. Base in Qatar
Khamenei praised Iran’s missile attack on a U.S. air base in Qatar earlier this week, which reportedly caused no casualties. He called it a “symbolic victory” showing Iran can reach vital American military sites. The U.S. dismissed the strike as a “very weak response,” adding that Iran had even issued advance warning.
Ceasefire Offers Tense Respite, But Risks Remain
Despite the ceasefire, tension remains high. Tehran’s streets are slowly returning to normal, and Iran has partially reopened its airspace, including to international transit flights.
Still, civilian death tolls remain staggering:
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- Iran: 606 confirmed by state, 1,054 reported by rights activists
- Israel: 28 dead, over 1,000 injured
Iran claims it launched over 550 missiles, while Israel struck 720 military and nuclear targets.
A state funeral for fallen Iranian commanders and scientists is set for Saturday in Tehran.
Nuclear Talks? Still Uncertain
Trump has hinted that direct U.S.-Iran talks may happen next week, but Iran has not confirmed any such meeting. A sixth round of diplomacy, planned in Oman earlier this month, was cancelled after Israel’s initial attacks.
Iran’s parliament just voted to fast-track a law that could end cooperation with the IAEA, further complicating future negotiations.
Do you believe the ceasefire will hold—or are we headed for another round of conflict?
More…
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-politics/article-trump-iran-nuclear-negotiations
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/26/defiant-khamenei-says-iran-will-never-surrender-to-the-us
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/irans-khamenei-resurfaces-to-warn-against-future-us-attacks-in-first-statement-since-ceasefire
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