Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on Wednesday that Iran is prepared to deliver “bigger blows” to the United States and Israel, intensifying tensions after a 12-day conflict with Israel. In a fiery speech, Khamenei referred to Israel as a “dog on a leash” of the US, praising Iran’s readiness to confront both powers.

The remarks follow recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, which Iran insists are part of a peaceful nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran struck a sensitive US military base in Qatar last month. “We hit an extremely sensitive American regional base, and an even bigger blow could be inflicted,” Khamenei warned, signaling Iran’s military resolve.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran faces mounting pressure to negotiate a new nuclear deal with the US and three European powers, with a deadline set for the end of August. Failure to reach an agreement could trigger a “snapback” mechanism, reinstating all international sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, according to France’s foreign minister. However, Iran’s parliament issued a statement on Wednesday, published by the Iranian Students’ News Agency, rejecting nuclear talks with the US unless certain preconditions are met.

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Khamenei emphasized Iran’s strength in both military and diplomatic arenas. “Whenever we enter the stage, we do so with our hands full, not from a position of weakness,” he said, urging diplomats to follow “guidelines” while continuing their efforts. The defiant stance underscores Iran’s reluctance to bow to international pressure as the nuclear deadline looms and regional tensions rise.

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