Iran’s Khamenei blasts Israeli strikes as ‘Satanic,’ threatens retaliation

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has on Thursday, June 12, 2025, condemned Israeli military strikes on Iranian soil, describing the attacks as “satanic” and promising a fierce and painful retaliation.

The strikes, which hit major nuclear and military sites across Iran, killed several top commanders and nuclear scientists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named the operation “Rising Lion”, citing a biblical verse to justify the action.

Khamenei accused Israel of committing a grave crime.

“Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands,” he declared.

The Israeli operation involved over 200 fighter jets and struck more than 100 targets, including the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and strategic IRGC bases in Tehran.

Residential areas were also hit, causing civilian deaths and widespread outrage.

Among the dead were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami.

Six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, also perished.

Iranian media released images of destroyed homes and grieving civilians in Tehran.

Although Iran’s nuclear agency reported no radiation leaks at Natanz, public anger surged across the country.

In response, Khamenei warned Israel of severe consequences. “The powerful hand of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will strike back decisively,” he promised.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi echoed this warning, stating Israel and its allies would “pay a heavy price.”

Diaspora Digital Media reported that hours later, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel, Israeli military sources confirmed.

The strikes came amid sensitive nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran.

President Donald Trump had earlier urged Israel to avoid disruption.

The U.S. have denied direct involvement but admitted prior knowledge.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attack a “unilateral Israeli action” and warned Iran against targeting American personnel.

The U.S. evacuated staff from several embassies and military posts across the Middle East as tensions escalated.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address what it called “aggression.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged “maximum restraint” to prevent broader conflict.

Regional fears grew as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed militias hinted at retaliation.

Israeli forces remain on high alert, having already struck several of these groups in recent weeks.

Flights were suspended over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel, as global airlines scrambled to protect passengers from potential airspace conflict.

As the crisis deepens, Khamenei’s declaration signals that Iran will not back down.

With both nations exchanging threats and firepower, the region teeters on the edge of wider war.

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