Khamenei warns of bigger retaliation against US and Israel

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made threats against the United States and Israel on several occasions recently. He commended Iran’s capability to withstand U.S. pressure and stated that the nation was prepared to launch potentially more powerful attacks than those previously executed against U.S. interests in the region. This rhetoric follows a 12-day military conflict wherein Iran targeted U.S. bases and Israeli sites, with significant destruction reported to Iran's nuclear facilities, military command, and defense systems. Simultaneously, Iran's parliament declared that any future negotiations with the United States surrounding its nuclear program would require the fulfillment of preconditions, which remain unspecified at present. They emphasized that discussions could not proceed based on the U.S.'s historical practice of using negotiation as a façade for military action against Iran. Additionally, the Iranian Foreign Minister underlined Iran's unwillingness to negotiate a nuclear deal that imposes restrictions on its domestic uranium enrichment activities, suggesting the possibility of an increasingly fragmented diplomatic environment. As Western nations deliberate over enforcing snapback sanctions on Iran, significant concern exists about their nuclear capabilities and military threats. Following the bombing of Iranian atomic sites and missile stockpiles, estimates highlight that Iran retains a substantial missile stockpile, with reports indicating up to 1,500 medium-range ballistic missiles. Security experts have raised alarms about the continuity of Iran's missile program as still posing a considerable threat to the region and the balance of international security. The evolving situation is further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement indicating he is not in haste to negotiate with Iran, despite the looming deadline for diplomatic talks. As Europe, especially the E3 countries, prepare to potentially trigger the United Nations sanctions snapback mechanism should there be no deal, the tension continues to escalate, placing Iran in a defensive posture against both U.S. and Israeli actions with a focus on its nuclear aspirations. The Iranian leadership continues to assert its resolve against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies, framing their responses as defensive while simultaneously illustrating a willingness to escalate military responses if provoked.