Fact Check: Iran's Supreme Leader warned U.S. strikes would cause irreparable damage.

Fact Check: "Iran's Supreme Leader warned U.S. strikes would cause irreparable damage."

What We Know

On June 18, 2025, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly addressed the potential consequences of U.S. military involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. In his remarks, Khamenei stated, "The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage" (source-1). This statement was made in the context of escalating tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which were perceived as a significant threat to Iran's national security.

Khamenei's warning came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran, further heightening the rhetoric between the two nations (source-2). The backdrop of these statements includes a series of military actions and counteractions that have characterized the conflict, with both sides preparing for potential escalations.

Analysis

The claim that Iran's Supreme Leader warned that U.S. strikes would lead to "irreparable damage" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Khamenei's statement was reported by both the BBC and the Associated Press, which are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The context of his warning is critical; it reflects Iran's strategic posture in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.

Khamenei's remarks can be interpreted as a deterrent strategy, aimed at dissuading the U.S. from further military action by emphasizing the severe repercussions that such actions would entail. This aligns with historical patterns of Iranian leadership rhetoric, which often employs strong language to rally domestic support and project strength internationally.

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources. The BBC and AP are generally regarded as reliable, but they may have editorial slants depending on the geopolitical context. Nevertheless, the consistency of Khamenei's warning across multiple reports lends credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

The statement attributed to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, regarding the consequences of U.S. military intervention is accurate. He did indeed warn that such actions would result in "irreparable damage," reflecting Iran's defensive posture in the face of escalating military tensions. Therefore, the verdict is True.

Fact Check: Iran's Supreme Leader warned U.S. strikes would cause irreparable damage.