Iran’s Supreme Leader Claims 'Victory Over Israel, US'

"I deem it necessary to extend a few congratulations to the great nation of Iran: First, congratulations on the victory over the fake Zionist regime. With all that clamor, with all those claims, the Zionist regime, under the blows of the Islamic Republic, has almost collapsed and been crushed," he said.

لازم میدانم به ملت بزرگ ایران چند تبریک عرض بکنم:

اول؛ عرض تبریک پیروزی بر رژیم جعلیِ صهیونیست.

با آن همه هیاهو، با آن همه ادعا، رژیم صهیونی در زیر ضربات جمهوری اسلامی، تقریباً از پا درآمد و لِه شد.

— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) June 26, 2025

He also said that the US got involved in the war because it was afraid that Israel would be destroyed without its assistance.

According to Khamenei, the US gained nothing from the war and also received a "slap in the face."

The ayatollah added that Iran "can take action whenever it deems necessary" and warned enemies that if any further aggression occurred, they would "pay a heavy price."

The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 26, 2025

In his recorded message, Khamenei further mitigated the effects of the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. He further stated that the strikes on US bases in Qatar was a "great thing' and could happen in the future.

Sanam Vakil, director for the Middle East and North Africa at Chatham House, noted that the supreme leader’s prolonged absence signals heightened caution among Iran’s security forces.

“If we don’t see Khamenei by Ashura,” she said, referring to a significant religious event for Shiite Muslims in early July, “that is a bad sign. He has to show his face.”