Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a firm message amid rising regional tensions, stating that while Iran has not harmed anyone, it will not tolerate threats or harassment from any nation.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, Khamenei declared: “We didn't harm anyone. And we will not accept any harassment from anyone under any circumstances. And we will not submit to anyone's harassment; This is the logic of the Iranian nation.”
The statement comes in the wake of Iran’s missile strikes targeting a US military base in Qatar -- an operation Tehran says was a retaliatory measure after US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Earlier, Iranian Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi had vowed to retaliate to the US attack on its nuclear sites. He had said that the US had become a direct and clear participant in the war with Israel. "The Iranian army's hands are open to attack America and its interests. We will not back down from action against America," he had insisted.
Also Read: 'Time for peace': Trump urges Iran, Israel to proceed to harmony
US President Donald Trump on Monday downplayed Iran’s ballistic missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, claiming Tehran had provided early warning ahead of the attack and calling for de-escalation and peace in the region.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said no American lives were lost and damage was minimal as all 14 missiles launched by Iran were either intercepted or diverted. The missiles were aimed at the US military’s largest base in the Middle East, which also hosts Qatari forces and other allied personnel.
"I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," Trump said.
Also Read: Iran launches missile attacks on US bases in Qatar
The president added that Iran's forewarning allowed for protective measures to be taken, claiming that no Qataris or Americans were killed or wounded in the strike.
“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” Trump wrote. "Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same."
