After an extended absence, Ayatollah Khamenei asserts Iran's triumph following a cease-fire with Israel, addressing concerns over his health and absence during the recent violence.
**Iran's Khamenei Breaks Silence Following Cease-Fire Agreement**
**Iran's Khamenei Breaks Silence Following Cease-Fire Agreement**
Supreme Leader's First Public Statement After Nuclear Strikes; Claims Victory Over Israel and U.S.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made his first public comments since the recent cease-fire agreement with Israel, delivering a defiant message that highlights what he perceives as a victory against both Israel and the United States. Reported by state media on June 26, 2025, Khamenei’s remarks come after a period of heightened public concern in Iran regarding his absence during a critical period of rising tensions and military conflict.
In the lead-up to his statement, which coincides with U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Khamenei had remained largely silent, raising speculation about his health and safety. Officials noted that he had been isolating in a bunker to minimize risks to his safety amid fears of assassination attempts. His prolonged absence from public view had left many Iranians uncertain about the direction of their leadership during a tumultuous time.
In his televised address, Khamenei congratulated the Iranian people on what he called a victory over "the fake Zionist regime." He stated, "The American regime entered into a direct war because it felt that if it did not enter, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. But it did not gain anything from this war,” suggesting that he sees the recent conflict as favorable for Iranian national interests.
The cease-fire came after a 12-day period of intermittent aggression between Iran and Israel, further complicated by U.S. involvement. As the situation continues to evolve, Khamenei's remarks signal a continuation of strong anti-Western rhetoric, which is likely to resonate with his base despite any domestic unrest regarding his visibility and decision-making during a critical period of conflict. This story is still developing, and further details will be reported as they emerge.
In the lead-up to his statement, which coincides with U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, Khamenei had remained largely silent, raising speculation about his health and safety. Officials noted that he had been isolating in a bunker to minimize risks to his safety amid fears of assassination attempts. His prolonged absence from public view had left many Iranians uncertain about the direction of their leadership during a tumultuous time.
In his televised address, Khamenei congratulated the Iranian people on what he called a victory over "the fake Zionist regime." He stated, "The American regime entered into a direct war because it felt that if it did not enter, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. But it did not gain anything from this war,” suggesting that he sees the recent conflict as favorable for Iranian national interests.
The cease-fire came after a 12-day period of intermittent aggression between Iran and Israel, further complicated by U.S. involvement. As the situation continues to evolve, Khamenei's remarks signal a continuation of strong anti-Western rhetoric, which is likely to resonate with his base despite any domestic unrest regarding his visibility and decision-making during a critical period of conflict. This story is still developing, and further details will be reported as they emerge.
