Context:

In his first public appearance since a U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, declared a victory over the United States and Israel, dismissing claims of significant damage to the nuclear program. Khamenei criticized President Trump for exaggerating the success of the strikes and emphasized that Iran's retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar was a 'severe slap' to America. The Iranian leader's message was delivered in a prerecorded video, raising questions about his health and whereabouts during his absence from public view. The conflict has intensified nationalistic sentiments in Iran, with the government making numerous arrests, which human rights groups claim are targeting minorities and opposition figures under the guise of rooting out collaborators. Meanwhile, conflicting intelligence reports have emerged about the extent of the damage to Iran's nuclear program, with the International Atomic Energy Agency stating that key facilities are no longer operational, while U.S. officials offer differing assessments.

Dive Deeper:

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in a video, after a week-long absence, to declare victory over the U.S. and Israel, criticizing President Trump for overstating the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

• Khamenei highlighted Iran's retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, describing it as a significant response and warning of potential further actions if deemed necessary.

• Questions about Khamenei's health and location arose due to his previous silence, with officials stating he was in a secure location to avoid assassination, and his prerecorded message did little to dispel these concerns.

• The conflict has heightened nationalistic fervor within Iran, leading to numerous arrests purportedly to eliminate collaborators, though critics argue this is also a pretext for detaining dissidents and minorities.

• There is uncertainty regarding the true extent of damage to Iran's nuclear program, as conflicting reports from U.S. intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency present differing views on the operational status of nuclear facilities.

• Iran's parliament has moved to suspend cooperation with international nuclear oversight, and the decision now awaits action from the president, who has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the West.

• The situation has left many Iranians concerned about a potential government crackdown on dissent in the wake of the conflict, as authorities seek to consolidate control amidst rising tensions.