In a significant development following the U.S. military’s Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has emerged from a brief period of silence to address the nation, asserting that the U.S. has failed in its objectives during the recent conflict. His remarks, delivered via state television, come in the wake of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Palestinian factions, which has altered the dynamics in the region.
Khamenei claimed that the U.S. entered the conflict to protect Israel but, according to him, “achieved nothing.” He emphasized Iran’s military capabilities, stating that the country remains within striking distance of U.S. military bases should aggression be directed towards Iran again. This declaration marks a notable return to public discourse for Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from for four days prior to this address.
The aftermath of Operation Midnight Hammer has seen U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, asserting that Iran’s nuclear program has suffered significant damage due to the precision strikes carried out during the operation. Ratcliffe stated that credible evidence confirms substantial setbacks to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with additional insights suggesting that if Iran chooses to rebuild its facilities, the process would take years and require complete reconstruction of three key sites.
Despite initial assessments that indicated only a temporary setback of a few months for Iran’s nuclear program, recent intelligence has led U.S. officials to dispute these claims. Sources close to the administration have noted that early evaluations were based on limited information and did not account for the full extent of the damage inflicted during the strikes.
In a related development, the Biden administration is reportedly seeking to limit the sharing of classified information with Congress, a move interpreted as a response to recent leaks regarding the operation’s effectiveness. Deputy Attorney General has emphasized that the Department of Justice will thoroughly investigate any leaks, highlighting the importance of maintaining operational security.
The Pentagon is expected to provide further details in an upcoming briefing, where officials will present what they describe as irrefutable evidence of the operation’s success. President Trump has also weighed in, expressing his support for the military personnel involved and criticizing media outlets for their portrayal of the strike’s outcome.
As the situation continues to evolve, the geopolitical landscape remains tense, with both the U.S. and Iran engaging in a war of words. Khamenei’s recent statements serve not only to rally domestic support but also to signal defiance against U.S. military actions in the region. With ongoing developments and potential future confrontations on the horizon, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of these events for regional stability and security.