In a rare public appearance following weeks of absence, Iran’s Supreme Leader addressed the extensive damage inflicted during the conflict. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showed visible signs of exhaustion, appearing significantly more aged and speaking with evident difficulty.
The 86-year-old leader’s speech challenged characterizations of Iran’s nuclear program as completely destroyed despite acknowledging massive infrastructure damage. International nuclear watchdog officials confirmed that US military strikes had caused considerable harm to Iranian 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 vow retaliation despite infrastructure damage. He characterized this action as successful response to American aggression and warning that Iranian capabilities remained threatening.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin the process of recovery while maintaining its hostile stance. The country has partially reopened its airspace and begun restoring civilian activities, though it faces enormous challenges in rebuilding its damaged nuclear infrastructure.