Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has once again warned the United States and Israel amid rising pressure on Tehran over its nuclear activities. Speaking on state television Wednesday, Khamenei said, “The fact that our nation is ready to face the power of the United States and its dog on a leash, the Zionist regime, is very praiseworthy.”
Khamenei referred to Iran’s strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, saying it was “just the beginning” and warned that “an even bigger blow could be inflicted on the US and others.” His comments came the West continue to push for fresh nuclear negotiations while also considering the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
IRAN’S MISSILE STRENGTH STILL A CONCERN
Despite recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities — including a destructive hit on the Fordow nuclear site in June — US intelligence has assessed that while Iran’s nuclear ambitions may be delayed by up to two years, its missile and drone capabilities remain mostly intact.
According to Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) and editor of the Long War Journal, Iran still possesses around 1,500 medium-range ballistic missiles and roughly 50 percent of its launch systems.
TRUMP SAYS HE’S ‘IN NO RUSH TO TALK’
Amid ongoing tensions, US President Donald Trump has adopted a cautious tone on the issue. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump said he remains open to negotiations but added, “I’m in no rush to talk.”
NUCLEAR TALKS UNCERTAIN AS SANCTIONS THREATEN
Meanwhile, Western nations have made it clear that if Iran fails to make progress on talks with the US by the end of the summer, they may activate the “snapback” sanctions — a provision under the 2015 nuclear deal allowing the re-imposition of international sanctions if Iran fails to comply.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry told Fox News Digital, “A sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution that addresses the security interests of the international community is essential. If such a solution is not achieved by the end of the summer, the snapback mechanism will remain an option for the E3.”
The E3 refers to France, Germany, and the United Kingdom — the three European countries involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “We continue to coordinate closely with our E3 partners on this issue,” the German ministry added.
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With inputs from Reuters