Image reproduced from 中時新聞網

In the aftermath of a 30-hour bombing campaign by U.S. forces targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reappeared on state television, delivering his first public address after days in hiding. He congratulated the Iranian people, asserting that the nation had dealt a harsh blow to the United States.

Khamenei stated that even with U.S. bombers attacking Iran, their ally Israel had gained 'nothing' from the 12-day conflict. He emphasized that the U.S. directly intervened in the conflict due to its belief that if it did not, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. Despite this, Khamenei declared, 'the Islamic Republic has once again emerged victorious, delivering a severe slap to the U.S.'

He praised the unity among the Iranian people, stating, 'Ninety million people stand united, side by side, supporting our armed forces. The Iranian people have demonstrated their remarkable character, proving that at crucial times, this nation will speak with one voice.'

The military operation, named 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' was executed under the direction of President Donald Trump. According to Pentagon officials, this operation marked the largest deployment of B-2 stealth bombers in U.S. military history and was the first time that 30,000-pound bunker busters were used in combat. U.S. pilots successfully completed a precision strike over 30 hours, targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran, marking the longest B-2 bombing mission since 2001.

Following the U.S. bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites, President Trump pressured Israel, facilitating a ceasefire agreement between the two nations. Khamenei's extended absence from the public eye raised speculation about whether he had 'vanished.' Although he delivered a video address on the 26th, the clothing he wore and the background colors were strikingly similar to those of his statements made on June 19, leading some to question whether the footage had been pre-recorded. Further reports suggested that Iranian nuclear facilities had suffered significant damage.

U.S. intelligence agencies rarely released internal assessments, with the CIA director stating, 'Iran's nuclear facilities have been severely impacted,' in stark contrast to military reports indicating 'only a delay of several months in their nuclear program.' These contrasting narratives have ignited considerable public discourse.