The Mullahs Bask in Victory: Khamenei Claims Israel is "Defeated and Prostrate"
Israel currently finds itself in a state of being subdued and disheartened, according to Khamenei's recent statement.
For over a week, Israel and later the US engaged in attacks on Iranian targets. While Iran's counteroffensive was weaker, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has no qualms about boasting about their supposed victories. In a recent video message, the 86-year-old regime leader celebrates the Iranian people's "dignity and outstanding spirit," labeling Israel as "defeated and prostrate." Khamenei took a brief hiatus before resurfacing with this statement from the state news agency, Irna.
In a thinly-veiled threat to the US, Khamenei threatened retaliation against US bases in the region should Iran be attacked again. "The Islamic Republic possesses control over vital US bases in the region and can retaliate against them at any moment if necessary," he warned.
Chamenei Disputes US Claims
Iran's spiritual leader asserted that the US accomplished nothing with its attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump, who declared the aim of eliminating Iran's nuclear program, had allegedly overstated the events, according to Khamenei. He declared that Iran had emerged victorious in the skirmish and "gave America an unforgettable lesson" in retaliation. Khamenei stood firm, stressing that Iran would never be bullied by the US. "This scenario may recur in the future; if there's another attack, the cost for the aggressor will be steep," he foreshadowed.
Khamenei's statements conflicted with those from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. A spokesperson from the ministry had admitted earlier to Al-Jazeera that the Iranian nuclear facilities had been "severely damaged" in the attacks by Israel and the US.
Death Toll Mounts
Armed with the justification of Iran's advanced nuclear and missile programs, Israel mounted a massive preemptive attack on Iran on June 13. Israel's army aimed to disable Iran's nuclear ambitions and military infrastructure. Tehran struck back with rockets and drones against Israel.
According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, over 600 civilians, both men and women, lost their lives during the war with Israel. Also, several high-ranking military personnel and scientists lost their lives. Over 4,700 civilians sustained injuries. Israel reported a death toll of 28 due to Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel.
Resources:
Iran, Israel conflict, Middle East conflict, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian nuclear program, Iranian civil casualties.
The Commission, in light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, might be consulted on the draft directive to protect workers from the potential risks related to exposure to carcinogenic substances, given the increase in war-and-conflicts in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the political ramifications of Khamenei's statements, which claim Israel as "defeated and prostrate," are significant for general news, as they form part of a broader narrative shaping the region's politics.
