Iran’s Supreme Leader made his first televised appearance following weeks of military confrontation, showing visible signs of physical deterioration. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s speech revealed the strain of the crisis, with the leader occasionally stumbling over words and speaking in a hoarse voice.
The 86-year-old leader challenged American claims about obliterating Iran’s nuclear capabilities while acknowledging that significant damage had occurred. International nuclear agency officials confirmed extensive destruction to Iranian atomic infrastructure, though they avoided declaring total program elimination.
Iran’s attack on American forces in Qatar was emphasized by Khamenei as evidence of his country’s ability to escalate regional conflict. He characterized this action as both successful retaliation and warning that Iranian forces could target US interests throughout the Middle East.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin the slow process of normalizing operations while maintaining its confrontational international stance. The country has partially reopened its airspace and begun restoring civilian activities, while parliament moves to limit cooperation with international nuclear inspectors.