TEHRAN – July 16, 2025: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that Tehran is prepared to deliver an even more powerful blow in response to any future military attacks, asserting that Iran’s retaliation capabilities have increased following its recent confrontation with Israel and the United States.
Speaking on state television, Khamenei said Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid base in Qatar during the 12-day Iran-Israel war had targeted a “highly sensitive” American military installation. “An even bigger blow could be inflicted on the US and others,” he warned.
He praised the Iranian nation’s resilience in the face of pressure from Washington and what he referred to as its “Zionist regime ally,” Israel. Khamenei urged Iranian diplomats to continue their efforts with strength and to follow “guidelines,” though he did not elaborate further.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament issued a statement rejecting any immediate resumption of nuclear negotiations with the United States, declaring that talks cannot proceed until “preconditions are fully met.” Though the exact demands were not detailed, Iranian officials have previously insisted on security guarantees to prevent further military actions.
The US and key European allies have given Iran until the end of August to return to the negotiating table or face renewed UN sanctions. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and that it will not accept limits on uranium enrichment or discussions on its ballistic missile program.
Tehran and Washington had previously engaged in five rounds of indirect talks through Oman before tensions escalated into conflict.
