Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Responds After US Airstrikes: “Enemy Has Made A Big Mistake”
In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran under “Operation Midnight Hammer,” targeting three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The strikes mark a direct entry by the US into the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
In his first public response since the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning without directly naming the United States. “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now,” Khamenei said in a post on X.
The statement, while not explicitly referring to Washington, comes amid growing speculation over Tehran’s next move. Following the US strikes, Iran fired a wave of missiles at Israel, reportedly injuring 23 people, according to regional sources.
Israel quickly retaliated with its own air campaign targeting Iranian military positions, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Addressing an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Iran’s Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the US action, saying Tehran had issued multiple warnings to Washington.
“Iran had repeatedly warned the warmongering US regime to refrain from stumbling into this quagmire,” Iravani stated. “The US decided to destroy diplomacy” by attacking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He further emphasized that a military response is imminent: “The Iranian military will decide the timing, nature and scale of Iran’s proportionate response. We will take all measures necessary.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to hail the airstrikes as a success, claiming they dealt severe damage to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” he wrote.
As tensions continue to rise, global leaders and observers remain on high alert, bracing for Iran’s next move in what is rapidly becoming a wider regional confrontation.
Also Read: Pentagon Reveals Details Of US Airstrikes On Iran’s Nuclear Sites In “Operation Midnight Hammer”