Iran’s Khamenei claims victory over Israel and US

DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has released his first public statement following the ceasefire with Israel, declaring that the Islamic Republic emerged victorious and dealt a symbolic blow to the United States.

Speaking in a televised address— his first public appearance since June 19—Khamenei addressed the nation from a concealed location, seated before plain brown curtains.

The 86-year-old leader had not been seen in public since reportedly relocating to a secure shelter on June 13, after Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and high-ranking military figures at the outset of the conflict.

In his speech, Khamenei accused Washington of stepping into the war to prevent a total collapse of Israeli military capabilities.

“The United States only intervened because it feared that the Zionist regime would be annihilated,” he said.

He insisted that American efforts had failed to yield any meaningful advantage. “The Islamic Republic was victorious. In return, we delivered a hand slap to America’s face,” he added, referencing Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar earlier this week. The attack reportedly caused no casualties.

The remarks come just days after a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect on Tuesday, following intense U.S.-led strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the use of bunker-buster bombs on June 22.

Khamenei’s latest address mirrored the visual style of his last video statement on June 19, suggesting continued efforts to maintain a low profile amid heightened security risks.

While the ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to hostilities, Khamenei’s rhetoric underscores Iran’s intention to frame the confrontation as a strategic victory — not only over Israel but also against U.S. influence in the region.