In his first public appearance since seeking shelter during the conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader showed visible signs of exhaustion. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s televised address revealed the physical toll of weeks in hiding, with the leader speaking in a notably hoarse voice.
The 86-year-old leader’s speech focused on disputing American assertions about the complete obliteration of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, UN nuclear inspectors confirmed that US bunker-buster bombs had caused enormous damage to multiple atomic facilities across the country.
Iran’s successful attack on American forces in Qatar was presented by Khamenei as evidence of his country’s ability to warn against future US strikes. He characterized this action as demonstration that Iranian forces could target American interests throughout the Middle East whenever necessary.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin the slow process of normalizing operations while maintaining its confrontational stance. The country has partially reopened its airspace and begun restoring civilian activities, while parliament moves to limit international nuclear oversight.