### Escalating Tensions: Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Warning After Ceasefire In a significant development following a recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has publicly stated that Iran will retaliate if the United States conducts further attacks. This statement comes after a series of missile strikes exchanged between Iran and Israel, which resulted in civilian casualties and heightened tensions in the region. Khamenei characterized the recent Iranian missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar as a "slap to America's face," indicating a strong stance against perceived aggression from the U.S. and its allies [https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/jun/26/ayatollah-ali-khamenei-says-iran-strike-back-if-us-hits-again-video]. ### Breakdown of Recent Events and Responses 1. **Ceasefire Declaration**: - A ceasefire was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at halting hostilities between Iran and Israel, which had escalated over a 12-day period of conflict [https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3315548/iran-attacks-us-military-base-qatar-after-vowing-response-strikes-nuclear-sites?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage]. 2. **Missile Strikes**: - Just hours before the ceasefire took effect, Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli territory, resulting in civilian casualties, including at least four deaths in Beersheba [https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/24/world-news/four-people-killed-in-israel-after-iranian-missile-strike-moments-before-cease-fire-went-into-effect]. - Iran also targeted U.S. military installations in Qatar and Iraq, escalating tensions further [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/iran-israel-trade-missiles-after-trump-claims-ceasefire/20250624.htm]. 3. **Khamenei's Remarks**: - In his first public statement since the ceasefire, Khamenei claimed victory over Israel and warned against future U.S. attacks, asserting that Iran would respond decisively [https://www.kltv.com/2025/06/26/irans-supreme-leader-says-his-country-delivered-hand-slap-americas-face-first-appearance-since-ceasefire/?outputType=apps]. 4. **International Reactions**: - The U.S. administration, led by President Trump, has called for peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3479005-tensions-escalate-as-iran-strikes-american-base-amid-middle-east-conflict]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualties**: - Four civilians were reported killed in Israel due to Iranian missile strikes just before the ceasefire [https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/24/world-news/four-people-killed-in-israel-after-iranian-missile-strike-moments-before-cease-fire-went-into-effect]. - The Iranian missile attacks on U.S. bases in Qatar did not result in any casualties, according to U.S. defense officials [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/564983/iran-attacks-us-base-in-qatar-trump-says-time-to-make-peace]. - **Military Actions**: - Iran's missile strikes included targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in the region, with multiple missiles launched [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3478981-tensions-escalate-as-iran-strikes-american-base-amid-middle-east-conflict]. ### Conclusion: A Fragile Situation The situation in the Middle East remains precarious following the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Key findings include: 1. **Continued Hostilities**: Despite the ceasefire, missile exchanges have continued, indicating a fragile peace [https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3315548/iran-attacks-us-military-base-qatar-after-vowing-response-strikes-nuclear-sites?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage]. 2. **Iran's Defiance**: Khamenei's statements reflect Iran's commitment to retaliate against any future U.S. aggression, suggesting that tensions are far from resolved [https://www.kltv.com/2025/06/26/irans-supreme-leader-says-his-country-delivered-hand-slap-americas-face-first-appearance-since-ceasefire/?outputType=apps]. 3. **Call for Diplomacy**: The U.S. continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions, but the recent military actions complicate the path to peace [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3479005-tensions-escalate-as-iran-strikes-american-base-amid-middle-east-conflict]. The ongoing conflict underscores the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties in the region.