Trump Exaggerated Impact of U.S. Strikes: Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of exaggerating the impact of recent American airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Khamenei said, “The President of the United States is grossly exaggerating the events. This shows there was a need behind his overstatements.”

He further added, “Anyone listening to those remarks can understand there is another reality behind the words — in truth, they achieved nothing. Such grand statements are being used to cover up their failure.”

His comments came in response to Trump’s interview with Fox News, where the U.S. President claimed, “We struck and destroyed their nuclear capabilities, and then we stopped. It was a tremendous move. They couldn’t proceed any further… It was an intense 12 days — very severe.”

Tensions flared beginning June 13, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s military, civilian, and nuclear infrastructure. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, the attacks resulted in 606 deaths and more than 5,300 injuries.

The situation escalated further when the United States joined the conflict, launching targeted bombings on key Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The strikes deepened the crisis, drawing more international concern.

In retaliation, Iran carried out missile and drone strikes on various locations in Israel. According to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, these attacks killed at least 29 people and injured more than 3,400.

Analysts suggest both Iran and the United States are using strong rhetoric to solidify their positions. However, the lack of transparency about the actual damage to nuclear infrastructure is fueling uncertainty in the global arena.

If current tensions persist, experts warn, the broader Middle East may face increased instability and long-term security risks.