Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has resurfaced to declare victory over the US and Israel following a major American military strike, even as the Pentagon unveiled new details of its successful “Midnight Hammer” operation.
In his first public appearance since the bombing, Khamenei said, “The Islamic Republic was victorious and, in retaliation, delivered a hand slap to America’s face,” dismissing the ‘exaggerated’ impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, strongly rejected any suggestion of limited damage, citing UN reports and Iran’s own military to confirm significant setbacks to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history and it was a resounding success,” Hegseth said, crediting the strikes with ending the 12 Day War.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s NATO visit drew global attention as the US president pushed member nations to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP.
In related developments, 148 Australians have been evacuated from Tel Aviv via ADF-assisted flights, and French President Emmanuel Macron warned the ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains “volatile and fragile,” urging renewed diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear program.
Source: The Advertiser.
