WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory over the United States and Israel on Thursday after a brief but intense 12-day war. In his first public address since the ceasefire, Khamenei thanked Iran’s people and warned that any future attack would come at a heavy cost.
Khamenei appeared on Iranian state television to claim that America “gained nothing” from its airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. “The Islamic Republic won,” Khamenei said. “We delivered a heavy slap to the face of America.”
He also attacked President Donald Trump, saying the president relied too much on showmanship. Khamenei said Iran had survived US bombs and cruise missiles. He insisted the strikes had failed to destroy its nuclear ambitions.
The war began on June 13 when Israel hit Iranian military sites. Iran fired back with missiles, inflicting serious damage on Israel. The United States entered the fight on June 21. It bombed nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Tehran later called the nuclear sites “badly damaged” and asked for compensation.
More than 600 civilians in Iran and 28 in Israel died, officials from both sides confirmed. Iran also hit Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar with ballistic missiles. Khamenei praised that strike as a show of strength.
Khamenei warned that any future US aggression would draw a strong response. “Should any attack occur, the enemy will pay a heavy price,” he said. Iran’s Supreme Leader also praised Iran’s success in surviving the war. “We forced the US regime to intervene directly,” he said. “And yet they achieved nothing.”
Trump, for his part, called the US strikes a success. “We obliterated their key nuclear sites,” Trump told reporters. But US officials did not agree on the extent of damage. Some reports said the strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program by months. Other reports suggested Iran could rebuild quickly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would keep working with Trump to stop Iran. In a message posted in Hebrew on X, Netanyahu wrote, “We will defeat our enemies together.” He also warned that Israel would strike again if Iran rebuilt its nuclear program.
With a ceasefire in place since Tuesday, US officials plan to hold talks with Iran next week. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff called for “a comprehensive peace agreement.” Iran has also signaled it is ready to return to nuclear talks. The war delayed previous negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Khamenei appeared on television after days of rumors about his health. He sat before plain brown curtains and assured viewers he was safe. Reports said he had moved to a secret bunker after the war began.
Later Thursday, Iran also announced it would stop working with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Guardian Council ratified a law requiring Iran to suspend all nuclear cooperation. Iran’s spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif, blamed the US and Israeli attacks. “This is to protect Iran’s sovereignty,” he said.
As tension continues, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to speak to reporters about the US strikes. US intelligence is still reviewing damage reports. Meanwhile, Iranian officials say they will honor the ceasefire as long as there is no new provocation.
Both sides face serious questions. Analysts wonder if Iran moved some of its 400 kilograms of enriched uranium before the attacks. That could make its nuclear plans harder to stop. US officials also face pressure to show that the strikes did enough.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation in the Middle East remains tense. Khamenei says his nation will rebuild. Trump and Netanyahu say they will stay ready. But everyone hopes for a lasting peace as talks begin next week.
