Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei breaks cover to declare victory: 'Delivered a harsh slap to America’s face'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reappeared on Iranian television after days of speculations about his life to declare victory for Iran. Khamenei's televised message comes amid reports that in his absence, new power centres were emerging in Iran.

 

The Supreme Leader, who appeared gaunt, said Iran "delivered a harsh slap to America’s face" and claimed that the US failed to achieve its goals after entering the conflict to protect Israel. "The Zionist regime, with all its noise and claims, was nearly brought to its knees," he said. 

 

He accused US President Donald Trump of "exaggerating" the impact of US strikes on nuclear sites. "They attacked our nuclear facilities, which of course would merit criminal prosecution in international courts, but they did nothing significant," he said.

 

Khamenei continued to train his guns on Trump, stating the US President's remarks revealed the true objective of the US policy. "For a president to tell a great nation to surrender is something that invites ridicule from anyone who knows Iran," he said. "Trump, in one of his speeches, said Iran needs to surrender. This is too big for him to ask. Trump has unveiled the truth that the US will only be satisfied with Iran’s surrender," the Supreme Leader said.

 

He was responding to Trump's statement on Truth Social that the US knew Khamenei’s location. "We are not going to take him out—at least not for now.” He also warned that American patience was “wearing thin.”

 

Khamenei said Iran would never surrender despite the country's enemies using "excuses like missiles or the nuclear programme." But, they are actually looking for our surrender. Surrender will never happen. Our nation is powerful," he said.

 

He also hailed Iran's "ability to potentially reach major US military bases" and warned it would happen if US continued its aggression.

Middle East