'Made a big mistake': Khamenei vows punishment for Israel, no mention of US attack on Iran

Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian leader vowed to intensify attacks against Tel Aviv, but made no mention of the US attacks.

Updated on: Jun 23, 2025, 09:03:21 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed punishment for Israel as tensions continue to escalate after the US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran on Sunday. Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian leader vowed to intensify attacks against Tel Aviv, but made no mention of the US attacks.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to intensify attacks against Israel (REUTERS file)

"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," read the Ayatollah's official tweet.

Follow LIVE updates on Israel-Iran conflict here

Khamenei's statement comes after the United States carried out ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ to target three nuclear sites in Iran - Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Also Read: Where is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Iran's Supreme leader names ‘3 successors’ amid assassination scare

Speaking at the White House, US president Donald Trump stated that the decision to strike Iran was aimed at the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”

"Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier," Trump warned further.

Iran has accused the US of violating international law and the UN charter with its attack on Iranian facilities. Calling for an emergency UNSC meeting, Iran stated that it “reserves all options” to defend itself after the attack from Washington.

Also Read: Amid UN ceasefire talks, Israel warns of ‘death sentence’ if Tehran pursues nuclear ambitions

While Western allies such as Australia, UK and others have backed US attack on Iran, countries such as Russia, Turkey, China and Pakistan have slammed the Trump administration for striking Iran and inserting itself in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.