Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has surfaced publicly to deliver a robust message asserting a triumph over Israel and the United States, following a cease-fire agreement that has been tightly monitored globally. As reported by state media, this appeared to be Khamenei's first public communication in over a week, coinciding with escalating tensions surrounding U.S. military strikes on multiple nuclear installations in Iran.
Khamenei's recent absence had sparked widespread concern within Iran. His prolonged silence after the U.S. bombings and the ensuing military conflict had led to speculation regarding his health and safety. Officials had previously disclosed that he was taking extreme precautions, including sheltering in a bunker, in an effort to mitigate risks of potential attacks against him.
Earlier this week, the situation intensified when Iran retaliated against an American military base in Qatar, leading to the eventual declaration of a cease-fire with Israel after 12 days of conflict. On Thursday, Khamenei's social media platforms began to release statements attributed to him, which hinted at a forthcoming video message.
In his remarks, Khamenei emphasized, “Congratulations on the victory over the fake Zionist regime,” projecting a narrative of Iranian strength in the wake of heightened military actions. He also criticized the U.S. involvement in the conflict, asserting that America’s direct engagement was a desperate measure to prevent the obliteration of Israel.
With diplomatic efforts ongoing and the ramifications of the recent hostilities yet to unfold, this story continues to develop, drawing attention from international observers keen on stability in the volatile region.
