Tehran Vows Continued Nuclear Program Despite Massive US Bombing Campaign

Iran’s Supreme Leader made his first public statement since seeking shelter during the recent 12-day conflict, addressing the nation about the extensive damage inflicted on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appearing notably aged and fatigued, nonetheless maintained a defiant tone throughout his televised address.
The supreme leader’s speech came after UN nuclear inspectors confirmed that American bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles had caused enormous damage to Iran’s atomic infrastructure. While President Trump claimed total destruction of the nuclear program, Iranian officials characterized the damage as significant but not program-ending.
Khamenei highlighted Iran’s retaliatory capabilities by referencing the successful strike against US forces in Qatar, describing it as proof that American interests remain vulnerable throughout the Middle East. He warned that such actions could be repeated if the United States continues its aggressive military posture.
The gradual return to normalcy in Iran includes the partial reopening of airspace and the restoration of commercial activity in major cities. However, the conflict’s toll remains evident, with hundreds of Iranian casualties and thousands wounded, while the country’s nuclear program faces an uncertain future amid continued international scrutiny.