Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning to Israel, promising continued retaliation following recent escalations. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei wrote, “The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a major crime; it must be punished—and it is being punished.”
#همین_حالا
مجازات ادامه دارددشمن صهیونی یک اشتباه بزرگی کرده، یک جنایت بزرگی را مرتکب شده؛ باید مجازات بشود و دارد مجازات میشود؛ همین حالا دارد مجازات میشود.#الله_اکبر pic.twitter.com/wH6Wk9nNhJ
— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) June 23, 2025
Surprisingly, the Supreme Leader made no mention of the United States—despite Washington launching ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, a coordinated strike on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Trump Justifies US Action
Speaking from the White House, President Donald Trump defended the decision, stating:
“This mission was essential to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and end the threat from the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
He further warned:
“Iran must make peace. If not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”
Iran Pushes Back at the US
Iran denounced the US strike as a blatant violation of international law and the UN charter, calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Tehran emphasized that it “reserves all options” to defend itself against Washington’s aggression.
Global Powers React
- Support for the US: Australia, UK, and a few Western allies voiced support for the strike.
- Condemnation from Others: Russia, China, Turkey, and Pakistan strongly criticized the US for its interference in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
