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Khamenei Declares ‘Victory’ Over Israel in Defiant Post-Ceasefire Address

Tehran, June 26, 2025: In his first public appearance since the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a fiery televised address claiming a historic “victory over Zionist forces” and warning the United States of future retaliation if provoked again.

Broadcast nationwide, the pre-recorded address came just three days after a U.S.-mediated ceasefire paused nearly two weeks of intense military escalation across the Middle East. Khamenei’s rhetoric was defiant, triumphant, and deeply symbolic—aimed at both domestic resilience and regional deterrence.

Khamenei Victory Over Israel: “We Slapped the Zionists and the Americans”

Khamenei declared that Iran had “delivered a heavy slap” to both Israel and its ally the United States. Referring to the conflict as a “resistance battle,” he praised the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for “disciplining” Israel through missile precision and psychological warfare. While he didn’t mention specific operations, Iranian state media had previously reported drone strikes on Israeli military logistics bases near Tel Aviv and in northern Negev.

“This is not just a military victory but a strategic one. The enemies’ failure is now plain to the world,” Khamenei said.
He accused the U.S. of “desperately intervening to save Israel from collapse.”
He vowed that Iran would “respond tenfold” to any future Israeli or American attack.

Background: What Led to the Ceasefire?

The Iran–Israel conflict escalated after suspected Israeli sabotage at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site on June 10. In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of medium-range missiles targeting Israeli defense installations. Over the following 12 days, both nations engaged in tit-for-tat aerial strikes, with Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis joining the fray.

By June 23, after mounting global concern over a full-scale regional war, a ceasefire brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and France was reached. While Israel maintained it had “degraded” Iranian military infrastructure, Iran framed the ceasefire as a diplomatic win under pressure from the international community.

Internal Significance: Rallying a Weary Nation

Domestically, Khamenei’s address appeared designed to reinforce Iranian unity. Citizens have faced blackouts, fuel shortages, and heavy economic tolls during the conflict. Yet, state-controlled media presented images of large gatherings waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the Supreme Leader.

The speech also came amid whispers of internal criticism. Leaked reports suggest factions within Iran’s ruling elite were concerned that prolonged war could destabilize an already fragile economy. The leader’s response? “Sacrifice is the price of dignity.”

Regional Response: Warnings from Allies and Enemies

Following the speech, Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah issued his own statement praising “Iran’s steadfast resistance.” Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed Khamenei’s comments as “delusional propaganda,” warning that “any renewed aggression will be met with overwhelming force.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken refrained from direct commentary but reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Israeli security and regional stability.

Experts Weigh In: Real Victory or Symbolic Spin?

Middle East analysts remain divided. Some see Khamenei’s message as a calculated attempt to flip a costly standoff into a propaganda victory, while others argue Iran genuinely achieved tactical gains by surprising Israeli defenses and demonstrating deterrence.

“The speech was for domestic consumption as much as for regional signaling,” said Dr. Leila Mansouri, a political scientist at SOAS. “It shows Iran’s intent to maintain strategic ambiguity—neither escalating nor backing down.”

What’s Next? Ceasefire at the Edge

Despite the truce, the region remains volatile. Israel has reportedly redeployed air defenses near its northern borders. The U.S. Navy maintains heightened readiness in the Persian Gulf. Iran has begun rotating units near key missile bases and is rumored to be enhancing protection around Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites.

International observers caution that if either side breaches the truce—intentionally or accidentally—it could rapidly unravel into another devastating flare-up.

Conclusion: A Ceasefire, Not a Conclusion

Khamenei’s declaration of victory may bolster national pride, but peace in the Middle East remains precarious. With Iran emboldened, Israel alert, and the U.S. caught in diplomatic recalibration, the next moves will determine whether June’s conflict was a climax—or merely an intermission.

Also read: Iran–Israel Conflict Timeline: From Sabotage to Ceasefire

Source: Reuters – Khamenei’s Ceasefire Speech