Iran's Khamenei vows ‘retaliation' in first reaction to US strikes, says Israel ‘being punished'

Indian Express

6 days ago

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first reaction after the US bombed three key nuclear facilities in Tehran, vowed continued punishment for the 'Zionist enemy', a reference to Israel.
'The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now,' he said.
Khamenei also posted an image showing what appeared to be air strikes, with a skull bearing a 'Star of David' — a symbol associated with the Israeli flag and Jewish identity, on its forehead.
#همین_حالا
مجازات ادامه دارد
دشمن صهیونی یک اشتباه بزرگی کرده، یک جنایت بزرگی را مرتکب شده؛ باید مجازات بشود و دارد مجازات میشود؛ همین حالا دارد مجازات میشود.#الله_اکبر pic.twitter.com/wH6Wk9nNhJ
— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) June 23, 2025
His statement came a day after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, including the powerful Khorramshahr-4 missile, in direct response to the US airstrikes. According to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), at least 40 missiles were fired following the US action.
Earlier on Sunday, Khamenei's aide, Hossein Shariatmadari, issued a stark warning of imminent retaliation and suggested closing off a key global oil route: 'It is now our turn to act without delay. As a first step, we must launch a missile strike on the US naval fleet in Bahrain and simultaneously close the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French ships,' he told Iranian media.
Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, game isn't over, enriched materials,#indigenous_knowledge, #political_will remain. With #legitimate_defense right, political and operational initiative is now with the side that plays smart, avoids blind strikes. Surprises will continue!
— علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) June 22, 2025
Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified since Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion' on June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities.
On Sunday, the US escalated the conflict by joining Israeli military action, striking Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan in Operation 'Midnight Hammer'. The Fordow site, considered Iran's most fortified facility, was hit with 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, along with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and coordinated strikes from B-2 stealth bombers, F-22 Raptors, and F-35A fighters.
In his first message after the attack, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran: 'If they do not [make peace], future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes,' he said.