Khamenei Dismisses Trump’s Claims, Threatens Renewed Strikes on U.S. Bases

International News: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed that US President Donald Trump has exaggerated the impact of attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and has also threatened to target US military bases again.  Labeling the assertions as overstated, Khamenei warned that Iran could resume attacks on U.S. military bases in the region if provoked. The remarks, broadcast on state television, come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day conflict with Israel and Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, raising fears of further escalation.

Refuting U.S. Strike Narratives

Khamenei dismissed Trump’s statements that U.S. operations had “devastated” Iran’s nuclear program, asserting that the targeted sites sustained only minor damage. He accused the U.S. of using exaggerated rhetoric to mask strategic failures and bolster domestic support. This public rebuttal challenges the U.S. narrative and underscores Iran’s determination to protect its nuclear ambitions, despite international sanctions and military actions.

Renewed Threats Against U.S. Bases

In a bold escalation, Khamenei threatened to target American military installations again, citing Iran’s recent attack on a U.S. base in Qatar as proof of its capabilities. He warned that any further aggression would prompt a swift response, with Iran’s missile arsenal ready to strike U.S. assets across the Middle East. The provocative statement follows a fragile ceasefire with Israel, concluded on June 25, 2025, and highlights Iran’s readiness to counter perceived threats, potentially destabilizing the region further.

Diplomatic Challenges Ahead

Khamenei’s remarks complicate efforts to revive nuclear negotiations, which have faltered since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. European mediators, seeking to de-escalate tensions, face an uphill battle as Iran’s defiance clashes with U.S. hardline policies. The international community is urging both sides to avoid actions that could spiral into broader conflict.

A Region on Edge

Khamenei’s speech underscores the fragile balance between diplomacy and confrontation, with global stakeholders watching closely for signs of de-escalation or further hostility.