Khamenei Resurfaces, Declares Victory Over U.S. and Israel, Warns of Future Retaliation

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first televised appearance in nearly two weeks Thursday, claiming a “decisive victory” over Israel and the United States in the 12-day war that erupted earlier this month. In a broadcast aired on Iranian state television, Khamenei declared that Iran had “delivered a hand slap to America’s face” and vowed that any future aggression would come at a steep cost.

The 86-year-old cleric, appearing tired and less energetic than in previous addresses, accused the U.S. of intervening in the war only out of fear that Israel would be completely destroyed without American assistance. “With all their clamor and all their claims, the Zionist regime has been crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic,” Khamenei said. “The United States gained nothing. Its actions merit prosecution in international courts.”

The Iranian leader dismissed President Donald Trump’s claims of success in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them “exaggerated” and “revealing of a deeper truth — that the U.S. only seeks Iran’s total surrender.” Khamenei warned that this “will never happen,” insisting that Iran’s power and independence are non-negotiable. “Our nation is powerful. Surrender is not in our vocabulary.”

The broadcast follows a two-week period of public silence from Khamenei, during which widespread speculation about his health and safety circulated in Iranian and international media.

According to the New York Times, the Supreme Leader relocated to a secret location after Israel launched a surprise assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and targeted senior Revolutionary Guard officials on June 13. Reports also indicate he refrained from electronic communications due to fears of assassination by Israeli or American forces.

Khamenei also praised Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, which he described as a symbolic yet significant move. The strike, reportedly telegraphed to U.S. officials in advance to avoid casualties, was nonetheless hailed by the Iranian leader as a demonstration of Iran’s ability to hit American targets at will.

“America now knows we can take action whenever we deem necessary,” Khamenei warned. “If our enemies dare repeat aggression, they will pay a heavy price.”

Public concern over Khamenei’s whereabouts reached a fever pitch earlier this week, prompting a popular Iranian TV host to confront the head of the Supreme Leader’s office on live television with questions from viewers. “People are very worried about the Supreme Leader,” the host said. “Even officials have been asking about his condition.”

Sanam Vakil of Chatham House noted that the leader’s prolonged absence signals deepening security concerns. “If we don’t see Khamenei by Ashura in early July,” she warned, “that is a bad sign. He has to show his face.”

Thursday’s broadcast, while aimed at projecting strength, left observers with lingering questions about the Ayatollah’s health and Iran’s internal stability following one of the most dangerous confrontations in the region’s recent history.

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