Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday made his first public statement since a ceasefire halted hostilities between Iran and Israel, declaring what he called a “victory” over the long-time rival.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei offered his “congratulations on the victory” over Israel, marking his first personal comment since the outbreak of war on June 13, when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and high-ranking military officials.
The Supreme Leader had gone into hiding in a secret location after the conflict erupted, raising speculation over his whereabouts and health. His re-emergence comes just days after a ceasefire was brokered with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump, following a massive American airstrike on June 22 that targeted Iran’s underground nuclear sites with bunker-buster bombs.
Khamenei had previously released a video message on June 19, offering defiance amid heavy fighting. His latest remarks were preceded by a brief announcement on Iranian state TV and his official social media channels, signaling a formal return to the public eye.
The statement comes amid cautious calm across the region, as both Iran and Israel assess the aftermath of what has been described as the most direct military confrontation between the two nations to date. Iranian officials have hailed the ceasefire as a strategic and moral victory, while Israeli leaders have remained largely silent, focusing instead on post-conflict assessments.
While full details of the ceasefire remain unclear, diplomatic sources indicate that the truce includes provisions to halt further strikes and resume indirect negotiations on nuclear and regional security issues.
Khamenei is expected to address the nation in a full video message later today.
