N※N

Iran''s Supreme Leader Khamenei Makes First Public Comments in Almost a Week

Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Defiant Statement Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

TEHRAN — In a rare public address broadcast across state media, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a forceful statement on Thursday, reaffirming the Islamic Republic's commitment to its nuclear program and warning against any foreign interference in the region's affairs. The speech, delivered from his official residence in Tehran, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical strain, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and renewed international scrutiny over Iran's uranium enrichment activities.

Khamenei, who has held the position of Supreme Leader since 1989, began his address by invoking the legacy of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, emphasizing Iran's sovereignty and resilience in the face of what he described as "arrogant powers" seeking to undermine the nation. "The enemies of Iran, led by the Great Satan and its Zionist ally, continue their plots to weaken our resolve," he declared, using rhetoric that has become a hallmark of his public pronouncements. This reference to the United States and Israel underscores the deep-seated animosities that have defined Iran's foreign policy for decades.

The core of Khamenei's statement focused on Iran's nuclear ambitions, which have been a flashpoint in international relations since the early 2000s. He asserted that Iran's nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes, including energy production and medical research, but he did not shy away from highlighting its defensive capabilities. "Our scientists have achieved great strides in nuclear technology, and we will not abandon our right to self-defense," Khamenei stated. This comes amid reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to levels far beyond those permitted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.

The JCPOA, negotiated during the Obama administration and involving the U.S., Iran, and several world powers, aimed to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the deal unraveled in 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States, reimposing harsh economic sanctions. Efforts to revive the agreement under President Joe Biden stalled, and with the election of a new U.S. administration in 2024, prospects for diplomacy appear dimmer than ever. Khamenei's latest remarks seem to close the door further on negotiations, as he criticized Western nations for their "hypocrisy" in demanding concessions from Iran while ignoring Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal.

Beyond the nuclear issue, Khamenei addressed the broader regional landscape, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. He praised the "axis of resistance," a term used to describe Iran-backed militias and groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and various factions in Iraq and Yemen. "The resistance front stands strong against occupation and aggression," he said, vowing continued support for these allies. This stance aligns with Iran's long-standing policy of exporting its revolutionary ideals and countering what it perceives as U.S. and Israeli dominance in the Middle East.

The Supreme Leader also touched on domestic matters, urging Iranians to remain vigilant against internal divisions and economic hardships exacerbated by sanctions. Iran's economy has been battered by inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation, leading to sporadic protests in recent years. Khamenei attributed these challenges to external pressures rather than internal policies, calling for unity and adherence to Islamic principles. "The Iranian people have withstood sieges before, and we will emerge stronger," he proclaimed, echoing themes from his speeches during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.

Reactions to Khamenei's statement were swift and varied. In Washington, U.S. officials condemned the remarks as provocative and unhelpful to de-escalation efforts. A State Department spokesperson stated, "Such rhetoric only heightens tensions and isolates Iran further on the world stage." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised response, labeled Khamenei's words as a "direct threat" and reiterated calls for a united front against Iran's nuclear program. European leaders, meanwhile, expressed concern over the potential for renewed escalation, with the European Union's foreign policy chief urging all parties to return to dialogue.

Within Iran, the statement was met with a mix of enthusiasm from hardliners and skepticism from reformist voices. Supporters gathered in Tehran for rallies, chanting slogans in favor of the Supreme Leader and against foreign intervention. However, analysts note that among the younger population, disillusioned by economic woes and social restrictions, such pronouncements may do little to bolster morale. "Khamenei's speech reinforces the regime's narrative, but it doesn't address the everyday struggles of ordinary Iranians," said one Tehran-based political commentator, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The timing of the address is noteworthy, coinciding with the anniversary of a significant event in Iran's revolutionary history—the storming of the U.S. Embassy in 1979, often commemorated as a symbol of defiance. It also follows a series of incidents in the region, including drone strikes attributed to Iranian proxies on U.S. interests in Iraq and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have raised fears of a wider conflict, potentially drawing in major powers.

Historically, Khamenei's public statements have served multiple purposes: rallying domestic support, signaling to adversaries, and setting the tone for Iran's foreign policy. As the ultimate authority in Iran's theocratic system, his words carry immense weight, often overriding decisions by elected officials like the president. The current president, elected in 2021 and known for a hardline stance, has echoed Khamenei's views, further entrenching Iran's confrontational posture.

Experts believe this statement could herald a new phase of assertiveness from Tehran. "Khamenei is drawing a line in the sand," said Dr. Elena Rostami, a Middle East scholar at the University of London. "By emphasizing nuclear rights and regional alliances, he's signaling that Iran won't back down, even at the risk of isolation." This could complicate efforts by the international community to address other pressing issues, such as climate change cooperation or humanitarian aid in conflict zones.

The nuclear program itself remains shrouded in secrecy, with Iran limiting IAEA access to certain sites, leading to accusations of non-compliance. Khamenei dismissed these claims as "fabrications" designed to justify aggression. He referenced past incidents, like the 2020 assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which Iran blamed on Israel, as evidence of ongoing threats.

In the broader context of Middle Eastern dynamics, Khamenei's address highlights the shifting alliances in the region. While Iran strengthens ties with Russia and China—both of which have provided economic lifelines amid sanctions—the Abraham Accords have normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, isolating Iran further. Khamenei criticized these accords as "betrayals" of the Palestinian cause, urging Muslim nations to reconsider their alignments.

The statement also included a nod to Iran's advancements in missile technology and cyber capabilities, areas where the country has made significant progress despite sanctions. "Our defensive arsenal is a deterrent against any invasion," he said, alluding to Iran's ballistic missile program, which has drawn international condemnation for its range and precision.

As the world watches, the implications of Khamenei's words extend beyond rhetoric. They could influence upcoming diplomatic engagements, such as potential talks at the United Nations or bilateral discussions with European powers. For now, the statement serves as a reminder of Iran's unyielding stance, rooted in revolutionary ideology and a deep mistrust of the West.

In Tehran, the streets buzzed with discussions following the broadcast. State television replayed key excerpts, accompanied by patriotic music and images of Iran's military might. Yet, beneath the surface, questions linger about the long-term sustainability of this path. With global oil prices fluctuating and internal pressures mounting, Iran's leadership faces the challenge of balancing defiance with pragmatism.

Khamenei's health has been a subject of speculation in recent years, with the 86-year-old leader appearing frail in public appearances. His statement, delivered with characteristic firmness, dispels any notions of weakness, projecting an image of steadfast leadership. As Iran navigates an uncertain future, this address may well define the trajectory of its policies in the coming months.

The international community now grapples with how to respond. Sanctions have proven resilient but not entirely effective in curbing Iran's ambitions. Diplomatic overtures, while ideal, seem distant given the current rhetoric. In the end, Khamenei's words encapsulate the enduring tensions that continue to shape the Middle East, a region where history, ideology, and power politics intersect in complex and often volatile ways. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/world/middleeast/iran-leader-khamenei-statement.html ]