Khamenei dismisses impact of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has downplayed the effectiveness of recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, claiming the attacks had “achieved nothing” and accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of overstating their impact.

In his first public appearance since a ceasefire was declared, the 86-year-old leader appeared defiant amid mounting questions over the true extent of the damage inflicted by American bombardments over the weekend.

"Anyone listening carefully could discern a very different reality beneath his words," Khamenei remarked, suggesting that U.S. statements did not align with the facts on the ground.

His reemergence ends weeks of speculation about his health and safety, fueled by an unusual period of absence from the public eye, a first for Khamenei during wartime since he assumed power in 1989.

The recent 12-day conflict saw Israel reportedly targeting senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists in its early stages, adding further pressure to Tehran’s embattled leadership.

Khamenei’s comments come as analysts continue to assess whether the strikes have meaningfully delayed Iran’s controversial nuclear programme.