Europe EditionIran's Supreme Leader Says Country Delivered 'Heavy Slap' to U.S. in First Remarks Since Ceasefire
- The highest-ranking cleric in Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly addressed the ceasefire in the conflict with Israel for the first time since it was implemented on Tuesday.
- The ceasefire followed a June 22 U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites using bunker-buster bombs after Israel initially struck on June 13.
- Khamenei claimed Iran was victorious, saying it delivered a "hand slap" to America through a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar that caused no casualties.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe and President Trump confirmed Iran’s nuclear program suffered severe damage across Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan sites but some facilities were not destroyed.
- The ceasefire and planned U.S.-Iran talks suggest cautious hope for longer-term peace amid Khamenei’s warning of future military action if necessary.
215 Articles
215 Articles
The Supreme Leader, who intervened in a recorded video, did not say a word about possible nuclear negotiations raised by Donald Trump.
Iran’s Supreme Leader rejects US-Israel claims as retaliation looms
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed that the US strikes had no bearing on the situation. On 26 June 2025, in his first speech following the post-ceasefire, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed Iran’s stance in the conflict on Iranian state television. President Donald Trump exaggerated the impact on Iran’s nuclear projects at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, according to Khamenei. Iran’s reaction to the US base in Qatar, he cla…
Ayatollah's message from state television
Iran's supreme leader breaks silence after ceasefire, claiming victory over U.S. and Israel
Iran's supreme leader emerged from hiding and congratulated the Iranian people on what he claimed was a decisive victory over the United States and Israel. Inside Iran, internet service has been restored after two weeks of war, but social media platforms are still blocked by the government. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Khamenei claims victory over US
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei • In first appearance since truce with Israel, supreme leader hails ‘slap’ on the face of America • Hegseth insists strikes on N-facilities were successful • Iran’s legislature clears bill to suspend cooperation with IAEA TEHRAN / WASHINGTON: Even after Iran’s supreme leader accused President Donald Trump of exaggerating the impact of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Washington continued to insist on the success of it…
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has celebrated what he considers to be a "victory" of his country over Israel and has claimed that the U.S. "did not achieve any achievement" of the conflict.
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