Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemns the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, vows resistance against aggression, and warns Washington of severe consequences. Iran retaliates with missile strikes on a US base in Qatar, signaling a new phase of confrontation.

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Iran Launches “Annunciation of Victory” Missile Operation Against U.S. Bases in Qatar and Iraq

In the wake of the devastating airstrikes launched by the United States against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a powerful message rejecting any foreign interference.

Addressing the US directly, he questioned Washington’s moral authority to dictate Iran’s sovereign right to develop nuclear technology, highlighting the hypocrisy of a nuclear-armed power threatening a nation defending its peaceful program.

Khamenei declared firmly, “We have not attacked anyone, we do not accept aggression from anyone, and we will not surrender to anyone’s bullying. This is the mindset of the Iranian people.” He invoked divine justice, expressing confidence that “The Almighty will surely grant victory to the Iranian nation, to truth and justice.”

Following the US bombings, Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region housing approximately 10,000 American troops.

Decirle al pueblo iraní que vaya y se rinda no es juicioso. ¿Rendirse a qué?
Nosotros no hemos agredido a nadie, no aceptaremos bajo ningún concepto la agresión de nadie y no nos rendiremos ante las agresiones de nadie.
Ese es el modo de pensar del pueblo de #Irán. pic.twitter.com/jNE6RaKfEZ

— Ayatolá Jameneí (@es_Khamenei) June 23, 2025

The text reads: “Telling the Iranian people to go and surrender is not wise. Surrender to what?
We have not attacked anyone, we will under no circumstances accept aggression from anyone, and we will not surrender to anyone’s aggression.
That is the way of thinking of the people of #Iran.”

The operation, named “Blessing of Victory,” was declared by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a clear warning that Iran will never tolerate violations of its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security.

The missile strike marks a significant escalation and sends a resolute message to Washington: Iran will respond decisively to any acts of aggression. The IRGC emphasized that no invasion or attack on Iran’s sovereignty will go unanswered.

Trump’s Response: Downplaying Iran’s Retaliation

US President Donald Trump reacted to Iran’s missile strike on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasizing that no American or Qatari casualties were reported. He described Iran’s response as “very weak,” claiming that of the 14 missiles launched, 13 were intercepted, and only one reached a non-threatening area.

Despite this, Trump reiterated his administration’s justification for the strikes, framing them as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. His rhetoric included veiled threats of further action, maintaining pressure on Tehran amid growing regional instability.

El Altísimo dará con toda certeza la victoria
a la nación iraní, a la verdad y a la justicia. pic.twitter.com/7qgO841N3L

— Ayatolá Jameneí (@es_Khamenei) June 23, 2025

The text reads: The Almighty will surely grant victory to the Iranian nation, to truth, and to justice.

Sound voices in the media outlets interpret the US strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation as part of a broader imperialist agenda aimed at undermining the sovereignty of nations resisting Western hegemony. They emphasize that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and that Washington’s military actions violate international law and the UN Charter.

The escalation is seen as a dangerous provocation that risks plunging the Middle East into deeper conflict. Voices from the Global South call for respect for Iran’s sovereignty and an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging diplomacy over military intervention.

The exchange between the US and Iran following the June 22 bombings and missile strikes signals a perilous moment for the Middle East. Ayatollah Khamenei’s brave stance and Iran’s military response demonstrate a refusal to submit to foreign coercion.

The international community, particularly progressive and anti-imperialist actors, stress the urgent need to de-escalate tensions and uphold the principles of sovereignty and international law to prevent a wider war.

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