Exhausted Iranian Leader Vows Retaliation Despite Nuclear Setbacks

In his first public appearance since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran’s Supreme Leader showed clear signs of exhaustion from the prolonged crisis. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s televised address revealed the strain of weeks in hiding, with the leader speaking with evident difficulty.
The 86-year-old leader addressed the extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear program while disputing American characterizations of complete destruction. International nuclear watchdog officials confirmed that the strikes had caused considerable harm to Iranian atomic infrastructure using advanced military technology.
Iran’s attack on American forces in Qatar was emphasized by Khamenei as proof of his country’s ability to exact retaliation despite nuclear setbacks. He characterized this action as both successful response and demonstration that Iranian military effectiveness remained intact.
The implementation of the ceasefire has allowed Iran to begin the slow process of normalizing operations while maintaining its hostile stance. The country has partially reopened its airspace and begun restoring civilian activities, though it faces significant challenges in rebuilding its damaged infrastructure.