U.S. braced for more aggressive actions from Iranian leader, announced June 27, 2025, at 06:03
Breaking the Silence: Iran's Supreme Leader speaks post-ceasefire and threatens the USA
In a stark message to the world, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, addressed the nation following the ceasefire with Israel, making an ominous threat to the USA. "If provoked, the USA will face severe repercussions," he warned, hinting at potential retaliatory strikes similar to those carried out post-US bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities. Khamenei ended his prolonged silence after a week of tense standoffs.
Meanwhile, Iran's Guardian Council, a powerful regulatory body, granted temporary suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This decision could pave the way for the implementation of a new law that bars IAEA inspectors from entering the country until the security of nuclear facilities is guaranteed. The IAEA is yet to receive any official communication regarding this matter, a spokesperson confirmed from Vienna.
The confrontation intensified over the weekend when the USA intervened in the Israel-Iran war, bombing Iran's nuclear facility at Fordo with powerful bombs. The extent of the damage is still uncertain according to experts. The ceasefire, announced unexpectedly by US President Trump on Tuesday, has held so far.
The attacks were initiated by fears that Iran's leadership was covertly advancing the development of nuclear weapons while maintaining a public stance of using nuclear energy solely for civilian purposes. The US Defense Minister, Pete Hegseth, recently expressed doubts about the credibility of a preliminary assessment by the military intelligence agency DIA on the impact of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The DIA report suggested that the air attacks would set back Iran's nuclear program by several months, a claim contested by the White House.
The situation remains complicated with no plans for new nuclear talks between Iran and the USA. Tehran has yet to respond to Trump's sudden announcement of renewed talks, reportedly scheduled for the following week. Some domestic flights in Iran are allowed to operate amidst the extension of the closed airspace until Friday, 14:00 local time.
Enrichment Insights:* Iran is recuperating from the damage inflicted on its nuclear program by recent Israeli and US airstrikes and plans to resume operations, albeit acknowledging the slow process.* The US is determined to hinder Iran's rebuilding of its uranium facilities, with the President expressing readiness for further strikes if necessary.* There's minimal movement towards resuming direct nuclear talks between Iran and the USA, as Tehran has made it clear it has no intention of engaging in new negotiations at this time.* The standoff between Iran and the global community continues as Iranian law mandates the suspension of all cooperation with the IAEA, halting nuclear oversight and collaboration.
In light of the escalating war-and-conflicts between Iran and the USA, the politics surrounding the situation remains tense, with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatening retaliation post-ceasefire. Meanwhile, general-news outlets are closely monitoring the Iranian Guardian Council's decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), potentially impacting nuclear oversight and collaboration.
