Khamenei's Advisor issues threat after US attack: ‘Bases used by American forces could be attacked'
Iran has issued threats to US bases in the Middle East after air strikes targeted Tehran's nuclear sites on Sunday. Protesters chant slogans as they hold up posters of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a protest following the US attacks.(AP)
Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that bases used by the American forces could be attacked in retaliation to the US strikes.
"Any country in the region or elsewhere that is used by American forces to strike Iran will be considered a legitimate target for our armed forces," Velayati said according to IRNA news agency.
Read More: 'Made a big mistake': Khamenei vows punishment for Israel, no mention of US attack on Iran
"America has attacked the heart of the Islamic world and must await irreparable consequences," he added.
Follow LIVE updates on Israel-Iran conflict here
The threat from Iran came after Donald Trump early Sunday announced launching surprise strikes on a key underground uranium enrichment site at Fordow, along with nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.
Though the US launched the attack on the nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers, bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles, some officials cautioned that the extent of damage was unclear.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also vowed punishment for Israel, saying the 'Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake.'
Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian supreme leader vowed to intensify attacks against Israel, but made no mention of the US attacks.
"The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a major crime; it must be punished—and it is being punished. It is being punished right now," Khamenei's post read.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also vowed that the US would "receive a response" to the attacks, according to news agency AFP.
Ali Shamkhani, another Khamenei advisor, said that "even if nuclear sites are destroyed, game isn't over, enriched materials, indigenous knowledge, political will remain."
Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that craters were visible at the Fordo facility, but no one had been able to assess the underground damage.
Also Read: When did Trump decide to strike Iran? Minutes before bomb dropped, reveals Vance
Meanwhile, people gathered in central Tehran on Sunday waving flags and chanting slogans to protest against US and Israeli attacks. Trump calls for regime change in Iran?
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to end the conflict hours after he announced surprise strikes on three sites- Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz.
"We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the 'bomb' right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!)" Trump said on social media.
Trump also raised the question of a regime change in Iran, calling for 'Making Iran Great Again.'
"It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" Trump said.
In an address to the nation hours after the attack, Trump claimed success for the operation, and Vice President JD Vance followed up Sunday morning.
"We know that we set the Iranian nuclear program back substantially last night," Vance told ABC, adding that Iran still had its highly enriched uranium.
"We're going to work in the coming weeks to ensure that we do something with that fuel," he said. "They no longer have the capacity to turn that stockpile of highly enriched uranium to weapons-grade uranium." US on high alert
In view of the possible threat from Iran, the US State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert for its citizens travelling or living abroad.
"There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad," the government statement said. "The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution."
Meanwhile, the police departments in New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles issued advisories saying that additional forces have been deployed to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites.
The Department of Homeland Security also warned that the "Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
9 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘This is an outright war crime': Protests erupt in US and other countries after Trump's strikes on Iran
Anti-war protests broke out in multiple US cities, including San Francisco, New York, and Washington, DC, over the weekend following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Demonstrators criticised what they called an 'unconstitutional' escalation and warned of a wider Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and administration officials defended the attacks and warned of further action if Iran retaliates. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through San Francisco's Market Street, demanding an end to US military intervention in Iran. 'Trump has bombed Iran three times. This is an outright war crime,' said one protest speaker, according to ABC News. Similar protests unfolded in Washington, DC, New York, and Boston, with demonstrators holding placards and chanting slogans. Many rallies were organised by the ANSWER Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. It also posted on X: 'The people of the United States don't want another forever war. The people of the United States want money for people's needs!' 'We need to show face and come out in mass and show our administration we're not going to be fooled,' said Ramsey Robinson of the Party for Socialism and Liberation in San Francisco. 'We are anti-war. We support the Iranian people. We want to prevent more death, more destruction.' Activist Deliliah Shenk from Colma said she joined the protest after learning that the US used 'bunker buster' bombs in the attack. 'This is absolutely insane. It's totally unconstitutional. This guy needs to be given the boot. In a big way,' she told ABC News. Some groups also used the protests to voice support for regime change in Iran, holding separate demonstrations on the issue. The ANSWER Coalition has planned a national 'Stop the War on Iran' march for June 28 in Washington, DC, with more local demonstrations scheduled throughout the week. Protests also occurred globally, including in Japan and Iran. Trump defended the decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities and warned of further action. 'If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,' he said during a White House address. Vice President JD Vance also reinforced the administration's stance in an interview with ABC News, stating, 'If they decide they're going to attack our troops or build a nuclear weapon, we're going to respond to that with overwhelming force.' The strike drew mixed reactions from US Congress. While some Republican lawmakers praised the move, Democrats were sharp in their criticism. According to the World Socialist Web Site, a broader wave of anti-war protests has also erupted in elsewhere across the globe, including Europe and Asia. In Europe, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in cities like The Hague, London, and Brussels, condemning violence in Gaza and opposing their governments' support for US-Israeli policies. Large protests have also been reported in Morocco, South Africa, Somalia, and Portugal. Many of these demonstrations include calls for a ceasefire and critiques of imperialism and foreign intervention. Protests have also spread across Asia, including Japan and Iran, where citizens voiced opposition to war and regional escalation. Pakistan also witnessed demonstrations. In Karachi, thousands of people protested against the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, reported Reuters. Demonstrators symbolically walked over a large American flag with Trump's image, expressing strong opposition to the bombings authorised by Trump against Iranian nuclear sites. (With inputs from USA Today, ABC News, World Socialist Web Site, Reuters)
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Blood, bombs and a Nobel? Pakistan chokes on Trump nomination after US bombs Iran
What began as a bold diplomatic gesture, Pakistan recommending former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, has quickly turned into a political embarrassment. The move, announced Friday and formalised through a letter signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cited Trump's self-proclaimed efforts in preventing escalation during the recent India-Pakistan standoff. But within hours, the US bombed three of Iran's key nuclear facilities- Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz- in a joint operation with Israel. That single event has flipped the narrative and ignited widespread condemnation inside Pakistan. 'Afghan blood is on his hands' Critics point not just to Trump's recent actions but to his broader legacy of war and destabilization. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo 'How can a man with the blood of Afghans and Palestinians on his hands claim to be a peacemaker?' asked Maulana Fazlur Rehman , leader of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), at a party event in Murree. He demanded the government withdraw Trump's nomination immediately. Fazl slammed Trump's history of supporting Israeli military operations across Palestine, Syria, Lebanon—and now Iran. 'Trump's claim of peace has proven to be false,' he said, adding that the nomination appeared to be driven by Pakistani leaders' enthusiasm over Trump's lunch meeting with Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Live Events Political outrage mounts Voices from across Pakistan's political spectrum have joined the backlash. Former senator Mushahid Hussain said on X: 'Since Trump is no longer a potential peacemaker, but a leader who has willfully unleashed an illegal war, Pakistan government must now review, rescind and revoke his Nobel nomination!' He further accused Trump of being manipulated by 'Netanyahu and the Israeli war lobby,' and warned that the former US president had committed the 'biggest blunder of his presidency.' 'National embarrassment' Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was among the first to formally condemn the US strikes, labeling them 'unprovoked' and expressing 'total support' for Iran's sovereignty. Raoof Hasan, head of PTI's political think-tank, called the Trump nomination a 'cause of unmitigated shame and embarrassment' and blasted the government for what he described as a misstep that undermines national legitimacy. Diplomats and Activists Speak Out The backlash extended beyond politicians. Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi termed the decision 'unfortunate,' saying it failed to reflect public sentiment. Veteran politician Afrasiab Khattak described it as 'sycophancy,' unfit for responsible diplomacy. Jamaat-i-Islami chief Naeemur Rehman said the move 'undermines our national dignity,' while author Fatima Bhutto posed a pointed question on X: 'Will Pakistan withdraw its nomination for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize?' A diplomatic blunder? The backlash highlights a deeper discomfort with aligning Pakistan's foreign policy narrative with a figure whose record includes drone strikes, Middle East escalation, and backing regimes accused of war crimes. As journalist Mariana Baabar noted, 'Today Pakistan does not look too good either,' sharing the official post announcing the nomination.
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tulsi Gabbard snubbed by Trump after US spy chief defied her Iran advice? Pics from Situation room sparks buzz
Pictures showing President Donald Trump with his top national security officials in the Situation Room as US forces carried out precision strikes against the Iranian nuclear facilities have emerged. But one key is missing. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard — who the president had publicly split with this week over assessments on Iran's nuclear program, was not seen in dramatic pictures. Amid the growing speculation that US spy chief was snubbed by the President over her 'anti-war'comments, the White House has set the straight on her presence in the Situation Room as President Trump ordered strikes on Iran. ALSO READ: Trump rebukes Tulsi Gabbard again as he makes bold claim on Iran's nuclear ambitions Was Tulsi Gabbard present in Situation Room? The White House's Response Team on Sunday released new pictures from the high-profile meeting that showed Tulsi Gabbard sitting in the Situation Room as the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night. 'President Trump's intelligence team in the White House Situation Room (June 21, 2025),' the White House captioned the photo, tagging Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who was seated next to her. — RapidResponse47 (@RapidResponse47) The photo was released following a night of rampant speculation over Gabbard's involvement in the unprecedented attack. Earlier, reports claimed that Gabbard was noticeably absent from a series of photos from the Situation Room released by the White House shortly after the strike. White House sources confirmed to CBS and Fox News that Gabbard was present at the meeting with multiple top-level officers who were not in the photos, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Live Events A White House official confirmed Gabbard was in the room Saturday and that she is a "key player" on President Donald Trump's national security team, reported Fox News. The photos showed Trump donning a MAGA hat as he was surrounded by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, State Secretary Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine. ALSO READ: 6 times in one post: Trump brings up Nobel Peace Prize again and again Trump vs Gabbard clash In March, Tulsi Gabbard had claimed to lawmakers that "Iran is not building a nuclear weapon". This was, however, contradicted by Trump recently, who said he didn't "care what she said". "You've always said that you don't believe Iran should be able to have a nuclear weapon," a reporter asked Trump while aboard Air Force One on June 16. "But how close do you personally think that they were to getting one?" "Very close," Trump responded. Then again Friday, Trump said Gabbard was "wrong" after she reported that Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon. "My intelligence community is wrong," Trump said when asked about the intelligence community previously reporting that Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon. ALSO READ: Amazon's one-month deadline to US employees amid mass layoff fear: Resign in 60 days or... As critics picked apart Gabbard's past comments, the White House stressed to Fox Digital that Gabbard and Trump were closely aligned on Iran. A White House official told Fox News Digital on Tuesday afternoon that Trump and Gabbard are closely aligned and that the distinction being raised between Gabbard's March testimony and Trump's remarks that Iran is "very close" to getting a nuclear weapon is one without a difference. Gabbard took to social media and blasted the media for "intentionally" taking her March testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee "out of context." "The dishonest media is intentionally taking my testimony out of context and spreading fake news as a way to manufacture division," Gabbard said in a Friday post on X, accompanied by a video clip of her March testimony to Congress. ALSO READ: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Intel and more: List of top US tech giants that have announced mass layoffs in 2025 "America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalize the assembly," she wrote. "President Trump has been clear that can't happen, and I agree." Meanwhile, Iran's underground enrichment site at Fordo was hit again Monday while Iran fired a salvo of missiles and drones at Israel and warned the United States that its military now has a 'free hand' to attack American targets in the wake of the Trump administration's massive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The Fordo facility was one of those hit in Sunday's attack, and it was struck again on Monday, Iranian state television reported. There was no immediate word on damage nor who launched the attack, though Israel said earlier it was conducting airstrikes on Iran.
