Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public remarks Thursday since a ceasefire was reached earlier this week, ending nearly two weeks of intense fighting between Iran and 'Israel'.

 

In a statement broadcast on state television and published by the official IRNA news agency, Khamenei claimed Iran had emerged victorious from the war.

 

"I want to congratulate the great Iranian nation... for its victory over the fallacious Zionist regime," Khamenei said, praising what he described as Iran’s resilience and strategic strength during the confrontation.

 

The ceasefire, which came into effect on Tuesday, concluded 12 days of open conflict marked by missile exchanges, drone strikes, and high-profile attacks, including damage to key infrastructure on both sides. It was one of the most direct and prolonged confrontations between Iran and 'Israel' in recent history.

 

In his statement, Khamenei accused the United States of not only backing 'Israel' but also actively participating in the war. “The United States engaged in the war directly, convinced that its refusal to intervene would lead to the complete destruction of the Zionist regime,” he said.

 

“It has gained nothing from this war,” he added, declaring that “the Islamic Republic won, and in retaliation dealt a severe slap to the face of America.”

 

 

 

The Iranian leader also claimed that 'Israel' “almost collapsed” under the weight of Iran’s military pressure and praised Iranian forces for what he portrayed as a show of power that exceeded expectations.