Ayatollah Says Israel Will Face ‘Severe Punishment’ For Strikes

The Iranian military suggested that the United States may also face retaliation, despite the U.S. government stating it was not involved in the strikes.

Rescue teams work in a building targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, said Friday that Israel will face “severe punishment” in retaliation for attacking the Islamic Republic, as the Iranian military suggested that the United States may also face retaliation.

The state-run IRNA news agency publicized the statement from Khamenei and also confirmed that the Israeli attack had slain top military officials and scientists.