Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any renewed attacks on Iran would incur a 'heavy cost.' The warning was delivered in a Hebrew social media post on X, reflecting the heightened tensions between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the warning follows Khamenei's recent threat to target US bases in the region if the United States resumes strikes on Iranian territory. During a televised speech, Khamenei emphasized Iran's capability to act against key US centers in the region, highlighting the potential for future actions if provoked.

Khamenei's comments mark his first public statements since the cessation of a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which ended with a US-sponsored ceasefire on June 24. The hostilities began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes targeting military, nuclear, and civilian sites in Iran, resulting in significant casualties.

The Iranian Health Ministry reported that the Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 606 individuals and injured 5,332 others. In response, Tehran conducted retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel, which led to the deaths of at least 29 people and injured more than 3,400, according to data from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The conflict's cessation under the US-brokered ceasefire has not eased tensions, as Khamenei's recent statements indicate a continued readiness to respond to any perceived aggression.