‘They Are After Your Religion and Your Knowledge’: Khamenei Accuses West of Using Nuclear Concerns to Undermine Islamic Republic

Latest Developments

• Excuses for Confrontation: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused Western countries of confronting the Islamic Republic itself under the pretext of concern over Tehran’s nuclear program and human rights record. “Nuclear program, enrichment, [and] human rights are all excuses,” he said in a speech at a memorial for Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists killed during the 12-Day War with Israel in June. “What they are after is your religion and your knowledge,” he added.
• Trump Moots Renewed U.S. Strikes: Khamenei’s comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would attack Iran’s nuclear facilities again if Tehran restarted operations at key facilities damaged by U.S. strikes in June. “We wiped out their nuclear possibilities. They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it,” Trump asserted during a meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Scotland. On June 21, the United States bombed and severely damaged three key Iranian nuclear facilities: the heavily fortified, underground nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow, the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, and a third site near Isfahan.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Threatens Israel: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed on June 28 Iran’s commitment to continue domestic uranium enrichment, stating that Iran’s nuclear program was “built” with “blood, sweat, and tears.” He argued that “no one in their right mind would abandon the fruits of tremendous investment in homegrown and peaceful technology … simply because bullying foreigners demand it.” The foreign minister also acknowledged that Iran’s “enrichment facilities [were] severely damaged” after the 12-Day War and threatened that “if aggression is repeated [against Iran], we will not hesitate to react in a more decisive manner.”

FDD Expert Response

“Tehran seems unwilling or unable to change policies regarding enrichment. If Iran reconstitutes an enrichment program, it should fully expect the United States and Israel to eliminate it militarily — and, given the absence of IAEA monitoring, the two should use all intelligence capabilities to monitor for imports and construction on such a plant.” — Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

“Tehran remains determined to rebuild and expand its nuclear program, missile arsenal, and network of proxy groups. Khamenei has interpreted Trump’s ceasefire as a sign of weakness and a signal that his regime is secure. As long as the Islamic Republic remains in power, it will continue to pursue these destabilizing policies.” — Saeed Ghasseminejad, Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

FDD Background and Analysis

“From Oil to Oman: 10 Ways to Economically Cripple Iran’s War Machine,” by Max Meizlish and Susan Soh

“Post-12-Day War, Iran Continues To Invest in the Houthis,” by Bridget Toomey and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Eyeing Sanctions ‘Snapback,’ Iran Petitions Russia and China Ahead of E3 Meeting,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Is Out to Kill Trump,” by Behnam Ben Taleblu and Saeed Ghasseminejad