Khamenei Warns of Retaliation as Iran Arms Militias

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

After U.S. airstrikes significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran has reportedly aimed to rearm proxy militias such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and groups in Iraq and Syria. The militias have launched escalating attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the region amid an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Intelligence reports have intercepted arms shipments, while Iran has denied involvement and warned it can strike key U.S. targets if provoked.

Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”

Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Iran can still strike U.S. targets. He noted that Iran “felt that if it did not intervene, the Zionist regime would be utterly destroyed.”

USS Carney returns home after deployment

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Khamenei added, “Iran has access to important U.S. centers in the region and can act against them whenever it deems necessary.”

Demonstration against potential war with Iran

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Intelligence reports intercepted a 750-ton missile shipment to Yemen, which Iran denied. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks on Israel have escalated, prompting Israeli airstrikes.

Iranian woman greets friend at protests

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Khamenei said, “The Islamic Republic was victorious and, in retaliation, delivered a hand slap to America’s face.” He added, “This action can be repeated in the future.”

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi stated, “The damage done by Israeli and U.S. strikes at Iranian nuclear facilities is very, very, very considerable.”

Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Iran has agreed to nuclear talks with France, Germany, and the U.K. in Istanbul to ease European pressure. The country aims to avoid renewed sanctions as scrutiny of its nuclear ambitions has grown.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Ayatollah Khamenei makes first public appearance since conflict, Car damaged by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, Iranian-made missile components seized in Arabian Sea, USS Carney returns home after deployment, Demonstration against potential war with Iran, Iranian woman greets friend at protests, Banner displaying Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Former United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Khamenei said, “Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price.”

Sarah Bennett covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.