Thu Jun 26 11:01:54 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Khamenei Claims Victory Over Israel, Warns U.S. After Ceasefire**
**DUBAI – June 26, 2025** – In his first public statement since a ceasefire ended the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has declared victory over Israel and issued a stern warning to the United States.
Khamenei, who had been in hiding since the outbreak of hostilities on June 13th following an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders, appeared on state media to celebrate what he termed Iran’s triumph. He stated that the U.S. intervened in the war out of desperation to save Israel from “utter destruction” but ultimately “achieved no gains.”
The Supreme Leader’s comments follow a U.S. attack on June 22nd where American forces struck three Iranian nuclear facilities with bunker-buster bombs. Iran retaliated on Monday with a missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, resulting in no casualties. Khamenei referred to the retaliatory strike as a “hand slap to America’s face.”
“Such an action can be repeated in the future, too,” Khamenei warned, implying Iran’s ability to strike key U.S. centers in the region. He further cautioned the U.S. that it “will definitely pay a heavy price” should it attack Iran again.
The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Trump, took effect on Tuesday, bringing an end to the intense fighting that has gripped the region. The long-term implications of the conflict and Khamenei’s fiery rhetoric remain to be seen.
First Piper 