Following a brief ceasefire, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a message on his Telegram channel, congratulating the Iranian public on what he described as a military and symbolic victory over Israel. According to Khamenei, Israel was “almost brought to its knees” during Iran’s retaliatory strikes.
“The fake Zionist regime has been defeated,” he declared, expressing gratitude to the Iranian nation. The complete address is expected to be shared in full later.
Khamenei didn’t stop at Israel. He also targeted the United States in his remarks, claiming Washington stepped into the conflict to prevent the total collapse of Israel—but, in his view, failed to change the outcome.
He stated, “My second congratulations go to our dear Iran’s success over the American regime. They entered the war directly, fearing the Zionist regime’s destruction, yet achieved no result.”
Calling the episode a “severe blow” to both adversaries, Khamenei framed the recent events as proof of Iran’s military capability and strategic resilience. His remarks underscore Tehran’s ongoing posture of resistance against Western influence and regional rivals.