Iran’s Khamenei Criticizes Israel as US Ally, Warns of Stronger Retaliation
- July 16, 2025
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a bold statement on Wednesday, referring to Israel as a “dog on a leash” of the United States. He emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond to any renewed military aggression with even greater force than during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Khamenei praised the Iranian nation’s preparedness to confront the power of both the US and its ally, Israel, highlighting the country’s resilience and determination.
Last month, tensions escalated when the United States launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. Despite Iran’s insistence that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, these actions have intensified the already strained relations between the two nations. In retaliation, Iran targeted a US base in Qatar, which Khamenei described as a highly sensitive American regional base. He warned that Iran could deliver an even more significant blow to the US and its allies if provoked further.
The ongoing pressure on Iran to agree to a nuclear deal with the US is mounting. Washington, along with three European powers, has set a deadline for reaching an agreement by the end of August. Failure to make progress by this deadline could trigger a “snapback” mechanism, reinstating all international sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Despite these pressures, Iran’s parliament issued a statement through the Iranian Students’ News Agency, declaring that Tehran will not resume nuclear talks unless specific preconditions are met.
Khamenei urged Iranian diplomats to follow established guidelines and continue their efforts in both diplomatic and military arenas. He emphasized that Iran engages in these fields from a position of strength, not weakness. His remarks underscore Iran’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and defending its interests against perceived threats from external powers.