US strike on Iran “grave mistake”: Khamenei

TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei terming US attack on Iran as a “grave mistake” said that enemies of Iran would be punished.

Iran pledged to defend itself after the US joined Israel in what is now considered the most significant Western military offensive against Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack, which took place on Saturday, targeted key Iranian nuclear infrastructure despite global appeals for de-escalation and diplomacy.

Issuing his first response following the US strike on Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei called the US action a “grave mistake and a major crime.”

 He said the enemy must be punished and is already facing consequences.

The Supreme Leader added that the Zionist enemy’s aggression is unacceptable and Iran has every right to respond.

He urged the Iranian nation to remain patient, united, and resilient, stressing that Iran will defend its sovereignty at all costs.

Iran inches closer to closing Strait of Hormuz, US wants China to stop it

Iran and Israel exchanged heavy air and missile strikes on Monday, as global tensions spiked following a US assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump also floated the possibility of regime change in Tehran, further escalating the situation.

Commercial satellite images suggest the US strike on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility caused major damage. Experts said the extent of destruction at the site, which housed uranium-enrichment centrifuges, remains unclear but could be severe.

In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed the strikes inflicted “monumental damage” on Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly those buried deep underground. “Bullseye!!!” he wrote, celebrating the outcome.

Trump had earlier warned Iran against retaliation, saying Tehran should now opt for peace or face “even greater and easier” future attacks.

In response to the US strikes, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel. The attack reportedly injured dozens and caused serious destruction in parts of Tel Aviv. Iran maintains its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

Web Desk