Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei declares victory over Israel in first public message since US strikes on nuclear program

After not appearing in person publicly since the start of the war and not releasing any statements since Sunday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declared victory over Israel in a pre-recorded video message released Thursday.

Khamenei’s prolonged absence caused considerable concern to his followers in Iran, amid unconfirmed reports and rumors that Israel had tried to strike the bunker where he hid for the duration of the war.

In addition, reports suggested that Iran’s military brass could not reach Khamenei for several days, as his bunker did not have any electronic communication systems for fear of an Israeli attack.

In a proof of life, #Iran's regime's supreme leader releases a televised message today after the 12 Day War. Khamenei sounds very hoarse, although the video quality is better than the last one. He declares victory and spins events--despite Israel exercising air and intelligence… pic.twitter.com/Xd1TzF5tr2

— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 26, 2025

Khamenei and his family were moved to a secure underground bunker in Lavizan, north of Tehran, according to reports by Iran International.

On Thursday, a new video showed Khamenei in a similar arrangement as his latest video messages, with a beige curtain, an Iranian flag, and a portrait of his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomenei, behind him.

The video exhibits no signs of when it was recorded.

“The Zionist regime, with all its noise and claims, was nearly brought to its knees,” Khamenei boasted, adding that the U.S. “gained nothing” and received “a harsh slap” in return.

“They attacked our nuclear facilities, which of course would merit criminal prosecution in international courts, but they did nothing significant,” he added.

The Iranian cleric said U.S. President Trump “exaggerated events in unusual ways, and it turned out that he needed this exaggeration – anyone who has heard these words has understood that there is another truth behind these words.”

“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… Surrender will never happen. Our nation is powerful,“ he said.

Khamenei’s official 𝕏 account reproduced several of his quotes, including the claim that Iran damaged the U.S. base in Qatar.

Directly responding in a Persian-language post, National Unity chairman Benny Gantz wrote: “I advise you, Mr. Khamenei, to come out of your underground hiding place and see what defeat and harm you have brought upon your own people. A liar is the enemy of God.”

It remains unclear to what extent Khamenei is conscious of the damage Israeli and U.S. strikes caused. Axios reported several days ago that Iranian military officials have downplayed the damage in their reports to the political leadership.

The New York Times reported Thursday that the leader’s prolonged absence sparked questions about his well-being even on Iranian state television.

In a broadcast on Tuesday, the host said that a “flood” of viewers had sent messages asking about Khamenei, and turned the question to an official from Khamenei’s office: “People are very worried about the supreme leader. Can you tell us how he is?”

“We should all be praying,” said Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei’s archives office, evading the question.

“The people who are responsible for protecting the supreme leader are doing their job well,” he explained. “God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing.”