Back From The Dead, Khamenei's Advisor Says He Has Surprises For US: ‘Game Not Over’

Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 22:46 IST

Ali Shamkhani warned that the momentum now lies with “the side that plays smart, avoids blind strikes,” and added, “Surprises will continue!”

The head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani | AP Image

Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Sunday that US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites won’t derail the country’s nuclear program.

The US Army conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, to “destroy" Tehran’s nuclear program.

Taking to X, Shamkhani noted that Iran maintains the capacity and political will to respond decisively. “Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, the game isn’t over… enriched materials, indigenous knowledge, and political will remain," he said.

He further warned that the momentum now lies with “the side that plays smart, avoids blind strikes," and added, “Surprises will continue!"

Notably, after Iranian media reported last week that Shamkhani was eliminated in Israeli strikes, he was found to be alive and recovering in a hospital from serious injuries.

Outlets including the IRGC-linked Fars News Agency and the semi-official Mehr News Agency published a statement attributed to Shamkhani, despite previously reporting his death following Israel’s initial strikes on June 13.

“I am alive and ready to sacrifice myself," the statement reads.

According to reports, Shamkhani was being treated for severe injuries sustained in the Israeli attack and is currently in stable condition.

US Intervenes

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, confirming via Truth Social that US forces had launched targeted strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites.

In a brief national address, Trump claimed the operation had “obliterated" Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure and thwarted its alleged efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran, however, rejected Trump’s claim, specifically disputing the extent of damage inflicted on the underground Fordow facility, believed to be a key site for uranium enrichment.

“The damage to Fordow is not as great as the American media and the criminal Trump are saying, and the underground facilities have not been damaged," said an Iranian MP.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in a statement broadcast on state television, warned the United States to “expect regrettable responses" following its strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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News world Back From The Dead, Khamenei's Advisor Says He Has Surprises For US: ‘Game Not Over’