Ayatollah Khamenei warns of stronger retaliation

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared the nation's readiness to respond to any renewed military attacks, asserting that Tehran can deliver a more significant blow to its adversaries than during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Khamenei praised the Iranian people's resilience in facing the United States and Israel, referring to the latter as a "dog on a leash." He emphasized that Iran's military capabilities have grown, and the nation will not enter any diplomatic or military engagement from a position of weakness.

The remarks come in the wake of Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which both countries claim are part of a weapons development program, a claim Iran denies, stating its nuclear ambitions are purely civilian. Khamenei highlighted a recent Iranian missile attack on the Al Udeid base in Qatar, describing it as a significant response to U.S. aggression.

As pressure mounts for Iran to resume nuclear negotiations with the U.S., Khamenei's statements reflect a firm stance against any preconditions for talks. He criticized Israel's reliance on the U.S. for support during the recent conflict, asserting that Israel's inability to confront Iran independently demonstrates Tehran's strength.

Khamenei also addressed the broader implications of the conflict, stating that the Iranian public's unity and awareness thwarted enemy plans to destabilize the country through targeted assassinations and internal unrest. He called for the Iranian judiciary to pursue accountability for recent crimes against the nation, emphasizing the importance of holding aggressors accountable, regardless of the time it may take.

The Supreme Leader's comments underscore Iran's determination to maintain its sovereignty and military readiness while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape marked by tensions with the U.S. and Israel.