Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed retaliation against “the Zionist enemy” in the wake of US-backed Israeli attacks on Iranian territory. Khamenei’s comments come as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate, with President Donald Trump hinting at possible regime change in Tehran. “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be a regime change?” Trump said, fueling speculation about the US’s long-term goals in the region.
The conflict between Iran and Israel shows no signs of abating, with both countries trading attacks and the world bracing for Tehran’s response to the US bombings.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has made it clear that Iran will not let the US aggression go unpunished, stating, “the Americans must receive a response to their aggression”. This sentiment is echoed by Khamenei, who has pledged to deal heavy blows to the “evil Zionist enemy”.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict is mounting, with Iran reporting over 400 deaths and at least 3,056 wounded since Israel launched its attack on June 13. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes, underscoring the devastating consequences of the escalating violence.
In a positive development, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has reported no increased off-site radiation levels following the US bombardment of the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites. This news may help alleviate some concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts of the attacks.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Iran is determined to defend itself against what it sees as US and Israeli aggression. Khamenei’s message to Muslim nations is one of defiance, urging them to “fasten the bonds of unity” and unite against a common enemy. The Iranian leader’s stance is resolute, warning that the US will suffer “irreparable” harm if it continues down a path of military conflict with Iran.