Iran Supreme Leader Threatens Bigger Blows Against US, Israel Amid Rising Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued strong warnings against the United States and Israel, asserting that Iran is prepared to deliver even more severe retaliatory strikes following recent conflicts. Khamenei described Israel as a 'dog on a leash' of the U.S. and characterized the recent missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as only the beginning of Tehran's capability to inflict damage. He emphasized that Iran’s missile and drone programs, though targeted by Israeli and U.S. strikes, remain a significant threat with substantial capabilities intact. Iran's parliament has rejected further nuclear negotiations with the U.S. unless strict conditions are met, including guarantees against future military attacks, while Iran insists on maintaining its uranium enrichment and missile programs outside negotiation scope. The warnings come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, involving Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites and U.S. military actions, with a ceasefire recently reached. Western powers are pressing Iran to resume nuclear talks with a looming deadline for a new agreement, while Tehran maintains its stance against perceived aggression and diplomatic pressure.