On June 26, 2025, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered his first public remarks since the recent cease-fire, proclaiming a victory over both Israel and the United States. According to him, the U.S. intervened to prevent Israel’s “total destruction,” but ultimately gained nothing, while Iran dealt a symbolic blow to America economictimes.indiatimes.com+7wsj.com+7dailytimes.com.pk+7.

Khamenei cited Iran’s missile strike on the U.S. air base in Qatar as a clear message—calling it a “slap in America’s face.” The attack reportedly caused no casualties but served as a potent symbolic gesture theguardian.com+3aapnews.aap.com.au+3wlbt.com+3.

He also criticized U.S. President Trump’s claims that the strikes had crippled Iran’s nuclear program, describing them as exaggerated. He insisted that no substantial gain was achieved aapnews.aap.com.au+6rnz.co.nz+6theguardian.com+6.

Reaffirming Iran’s resolve, Khamenei warned that future U.S. aggression would “come at a heavy price”, and Iran would not hesitate to retaliate if provoked again rnz.co.nz+12livemint.com+12thetimes.co.uk+12.

Amid ongoing regional tensions and fragile cease-fire conditions, Khamenei’s speech underscores Iran’s message of defiance, aimed as much at domestic audiences as at the international community.