Iran could strike Israel and the United States even harder than it did during last month’s conflict, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday in his first public speech since a June 24 ceasefire.
Speaking before judiciary officials in Tehran, Khamenei said the extent of the damage inflicted—on a US base in Qatar—would become clear once media restrictions were lifted.
“The center targeted by Iran was an extremely sensitive American facility,” he said. “Once the news blackout is lifted, it will become clear what a heavy blow was delivered. And a blow even greater than this can be struck against the US and others.”
President Trump said last month that Iran provided early notice before launching missile strikes at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, downplaying Tehran’s response to US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites as "very weak."
Khamenei, who had only made recorded remarks from an undisclosed location during the 12-day US-Israeli campaign, briefly appeared at a July 5 mourning ceremony without speaking.
The 86-year-old veteran theocrat said the attacks aimed at regime change but failed.
“The aggressors assumed that by targeting certain key individuals and centers in Iran, they would weaken the system. They planned to then unleash their dormant proxies — from hypocrites and monarchists to thugs — stirring unrest and dragging people into the streets to overthrow the Islamic system.”
“God Almighty nullified their scheme ... He brought the people into the field in support of the government and the system."
Amid wartime Israeli bombardments, residents of major cities fled their homes seeking safety.
Videos, and messages shared with Iran International and on social media indicated widespread anger, with many blaming Khamenei for the war, accusing him of endangering lives.
Khamenei went on to say that Israel’s dependence on the United States exposed its weakness.
“If the Zionist regime could defend itself, it wouldn’t have turned to America,” he said. “It saw that it couldn’t handle the Islamic Republic.”
Israeli air strikes and drone attacks during the 12-day war killed hundreds of Iranian military personnel and nuclear scientists, along with with hundreds of civilians. Iranian missile salvos killed 27 Israeli civilians.
Turning to internal matters, Khamenei ordered the judiciary to pursue what he called “recent crimes” through all legal channels. “We must not release the collar of the criminal,” he said.
“Even if it takes twenty years, it must be pursued.” He dismissed concerns about international courts, saying they may one day act fairly “if an independent judge appears.”
The Supreme Leader also warned against public criticism of Iran’s armed forces or diplomatic corps, insisting that objections be expressed only “with an acceptable tone and after proper knowledge.” National unity, he said, must be preserved at all costs.
