Iran's supreme leader says missile strike was 'not enough'


Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday described ballistic missile strikes on Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops a "slap in the face" while saying that it was "not enough."
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech on Wednesday after the attack on two bases said that this "slap in the face" to the U.S. was not sufficient, NBC News reports. The strikes came after the death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a drone strike authorized by President Trump last week.
"They were slapped last night, but such military actions are not enough," he said in the televised speech, Politico reports. “The corruptive presence of the U.S. in the West Asian region must be stopped.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Khamenei also said in his speech that "the discussion about revenge is something else, this was just a slap in the face last night," per NBC News.
Early reports have suggested there were no American casualties in the strikes. Iran's foreign minister on Twitter wrote that "we do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Trump, who previously warned that Iran would "be suffering the consequences and very strongly" if they do "anything that they shouldn't be doing," in a tweet on Tuesday night wrote that "all is well!" and that while "assessment of casualties and damages [is] taking place now," "so far, so good!" Trump is set to make a statement on Wednesday morning.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
5 hilariously sparse cartoons about further DOGE cuts
Cartoons Artists take on free audits, report cards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Following the Tea Horse Road in China
The Week Recommends This network of roads and trails served as vital trading routes
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: March 30, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published