Khamenei declares 'victory over Zionist entity,' warns U.S. and Israel of heavy future costs
ALBAWABA- In his first public address since the ceasefire was declared in the Iran-Israel conflict, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared what he described as a strategic victory for Iran and a humiliating failure for Israel and the United States.
Addressing the nation, Khamenei congratulated the Iranian people for what he called a 'victory over the artificial Zionist entity,' claiming that Israel has been left 'reeling under blows it never anticipated.'
He praised Iran's armed forces for penetrating Israel's multilayered defenses and rendering its military sites vulnerable, stating, 'Many of their civilian and military positions were leveled to the ground.'
Khamenei sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of exaggerating the scale of the American attack on Iran while downplaying Iran's retaliatory strike on U.S. military assets.
'The American regime entered the war directly only because it feared the Zionist entity's total annihilation,' he said. 'They intervened—and achieved no success.' Also Read Missile hits Ashkelon as Iran launches new attack on Israel
He confirmed that Iranian missiles had struck the U.S. Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, calling it a 'powerful slap' and warning that Iran possesses the capability to strike major American bases in the region whenever it deems necessary. 'This could be repeated again,' he warned, 'and its cost will be heavy.'
The Supreme Leader also denounced what he called Washington's real intention, forcing Iran into unconditional surrender. 'Surrender will never happen,' he declared. 'They invoke excuses like the missile program and nuclear file, but they really want our submission. That will never come from a strong and united nation like Iran.'
He concluded by emphasizing national unity, praising the Iranian people for their steadfast support of the armed forces. 'We thank God for our strength and for a nation that stands together in times of challenge. The strength of the Zionist entity has been nearly crushed beneath our response,' Khamenei said.
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