Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced a stern warning to the United States, stating that Iran will target US bases in the region if Washington resumes military strikes on Iranian territory. Khamenei's declaration was made during a televised address, emphasizing Iran's readiness to respond to any perceived aggression with significant consequences.

According to Anadolu Agency, Khamenei's remarks come in the wake of a recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which concluded with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24. Khamenei criticized the US involvement, asserting that Washington intervened to prevent Israel's complete destruction in the conflict. He further stated that any US support for Israel, regardless of its form, will attract repercussions from Iran.

Khamenei dismissed the effectiveness of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, alleging that former US President Donald Trump attempted to obscure their limited impact. He highlighted Iran's retaliatory actions, noting the damage inflicted on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, describing it as a pivotal US installation in the region. Khamenei framed this action as more than a warning, suggesting it marked the beginning of a new era in regional resistance.

The conflict saw Israel conducting airstrikes from June 13, targeting various sites within Iran, resulting in at least 606 fatalities and injuring 5,332 individuals, according to Iran's Health Ministry. In response, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, causing at least 29 deaths and injuring over 3,400 people, as reported by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Khamenei emphasized Iran's commitment to resisting perceived injustice and aggression, regardless of the alliances aligned against it.