‘Heavy slap to US’: Iran’s Khamenei warns of repeat strikes in first reaction since ceasefire

Khamenei also referenced Iran’s retaliatory strike on US forces stationed in the Gulf, claiming it dealt a direct blow to American military infrastructure. “The Islamic Republic delivered a heavy slap to the US’s face,” he said. “It attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, which is one of the key US bases in the region.”

In another pointed remark, Khamenei warned that Iran retains the capability to strike US assets in the region at will. “The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter,” read a post from his official account. “Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price.”

The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 26, 2025

Mocking a previous statement by US President Donald Trump, Khamenei took aim at American rhetoric during his address. “The US President stated, ‘Iran must surrender.’ Needless to say, this statement is too big to come out of the US president’s mouth,” he said.

Khamenei’s speech came days after a US-brokered ceasefire ended weeks of conflict that saw Iran and Israel exchange airstrikes, and the US carry out major bombing raids on Iranian nuclear sites.