Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public statement on Thursday, June 26, following the end of the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, declaring what he described as a “historic victory” over the Zionist regime. Speaking from Tehran, Khamenei claimed that Iran had dealt a major blow not only to Israel but also to the United States, saying the Islamic Republic had “delivered a heavy slap to the face of America.”
“My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime. The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing,” Khamenei wrote on X.
He added, “The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price.”
During the intense conflict, Khamenei reportedly took shelter in an undisclosed location as Israeli airstrikes targeted sites across Tehran. The war, which saw rapid escalation and regional alarm, ended on Tuesday after US-brokered ceasefire talks brought hostilities to a halt.
Khamenei also claimed Iran had inflicted serious damage on the US military presence in the region, specifically citing a strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar – one of Washington’s most strategic facilities in the Middle East. “With all their noise and threats, the Zionist regime was ultimately brought to its knees,” Khamenei declared, calling the outcome a strategic win for the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking at a NATO summit, said that while Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “destroyed” during US strikes, he was open to dialogue – though not eager. “They fought, the war is done,” Trump said. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know.”
Trump confirmed that US and Iranian officials are expected to meet next week, raising tentative hopes for de-escalation. However, Iran has not formally acknowledged any upcoming talks, and a senior Iranian official voiced skepticism about Washington’s intentions, particularly after a surprise US strike over the weekend.
Direct and indirect communication between the two countries has reportedly taken place, according to U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. A sixth round of diplomatic negotiations, initially scheduled in Oman earlier this month, was cancelled after Israel launched a major assault on Iran.
As both sides weigh the possibility of renewed talks, regional observers remain cautious, noting that Tehran remains defiant about its nuclear ambitions.
