TEHRAN: In his first televised address since the Iran-Israel ceasefire, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran had emerged victorious in the recent 12-day war with Israel. He also claimed that Iran had "dealt a severe slap to the face of America" and that the U.S. had gained "nothing" from its involvement in the conflict.
Khamenei, appearing on state television, accused the U.S. of directly participating in the war, believing that inaction would lead to Israel's collapse. "The Islamic Republic won," he stated, adding that any future aggression would result in a heavy price for the enemy.
His remarks followed a major escalation that began when Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13. In response, the U.S. struck three nuclear sites in Iran using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles. Iran retaliated with a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, though no casualties were reported.
Khamenei, 86, had not been seen publicly since going into hiding at the war’s outset. His speech came after a ceasefire was negotiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and took effect Tuesday.
While Washington claimed the strikes had devastated Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, CNN reported that a classified U.S. intelligence review suggested only minor setbacks to Iran’s nuclear program. There is speculation that Iran may have relocated enriched uranium before the strikes.
Meanwhile, Israeli and American officials continue to assess the damage, with differing claims on the success of the attacks. Talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected next week, with hopes for a broader peace agreement.
Tehran reported 627 civilian deaths from Israeli strikes, while 28 Israelis were killed in Iranian counterattacks.
A state funeral for Iranian commanders and scientists will be held Saturday in Tehran.
