Khamenei Says West Using Iran’s Nuclear Program as Pretext for Confrontation

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Tehran — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced Western powers, particularly the United States, for using Iran’s nuclear program as a pretext to confront the Islamic Republic, asserting that their real target is the country’s ideology and scientific progress.

Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran honoring Iranian military personnel and nuclear scientists killed during Israel’s recent 12-day assault, Khamenei stated, “Their concerns about uranium enrichment, human rights, and other issues are just excuses. What they’re really attacking is your faith and your knowledge.”

The comments follow a strong warning issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on Monday that the U.S. would not hesitate to launch another strike on Iran if it resumes its nuclear activities. Trump had previously authorized airstrikes on three critical Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s offensive.

In his brief but direct speech, Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue its path toward self-reliance and progress despite mounting pressure. “Much to the enemy’s frustration, we will continue to elevate Iran to the heights of honor and development,” he said.

his marked Khamenei’s third public appearance since hostilities erupted with Israel. Though he refrained from participating in post-war funeral rites for fallen commanders and scientists, his message was unambiguous—**Iran remains undeterred

He also noted that Iran has weathered decades of foreign interference and internal unrest. “Over the past 45 years, including the eight-year war with Iraq, we’ve overcome countless conspiracies — from coups and sedition to military threats,” Khamenei said.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also attended the event, said that Iran currently has no plans to resume nuclear negotiations. “Any action we take, including diplomacy, will honor the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for Iran’s sovereignty,” he emphasized.

In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi warned of a “more decisive” Iranian retaliation if Israel or the U.S. launches further attacks.

Separately, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief, warned that Tehran places “no trust whatsoever” in U.S. or Israeli commitments. He reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to defend its borders and national interests, stating, “They suffered heavy losses and failed to achieve their goals, which is why they were desperate for a ceasefire.”

In a new intelligence report, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence detailed efforts to dismantle a complex U.S.-Israeli hybrid operation during the recent war. The report claims Iran foiled assassination attempts against 35 officials and blocked infiltration by more than 450 foreign agents near its eastern and western borders.

Among the alleged objectives of the plot was the installation of a foreign-backed puppet government aimed at destabilizing Iran’s political structure.

Meanwhile, Israeli sources cited by the Washington Post confirmed that the joint U.S.-Israel strikes significantly delayed Iran’s development of two advanced nuclear warheads and an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon designed to disable Israeli infrastructure.

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