- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reappears on national TV after weeks of speculation about his whereabouts.
- He declares Iran’s “victory” over Israel and says the Zionist regime was “almost destroyed.”
- Khamenei’s absence since June 18, 2025, had fueled rumors of bunker relocation and internal dissent.
- U.S. intelligence confirmed knowledge of his location, while Israeli strikes killed key IRGC leaders.
- This is Khamenei’s third public message since the war began, signaling regime confidence amid global scrutiny.
Lead
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made a dramatic reappearance on national television, declaring victory in the recent war with Israel and claiming that the “Zionist regime was almost destroyed” by Iran’s military response. This public address, aired Thursday and reported by Mehr News, comes after weeks of silence and speculation about his whereabouts.
Background
Khamenei’s speech marks his third televised message since the beginning of the war, but his first to directly celebrate what he described as a near-collapse of Israel. “With all the hype, with all the claims, the Zionist regime almost collapsed and was destroyed under the blows dealt by the Islamic Republic,” he said, addressing the Iranian people with what he called “congratulations on the victory.”
His return to public view follows a prolonged absence that drew intense international scrutiny. As previously reported by Virginia Times, Khamenei had not been seen publicly since June 18, 2025. Sources cited by Iran International claimed he was moved to a secure bunker in Lavizan, northeastern Tehran, alongside key family members, including his son Mojtaba.
Details of the Address
Speaking in a calm tone, Khamenei emphasized Iran’s resilience under foreign pressure and asserted that the Islamic Republic had emerged stronger from the confrontation. His appearance—behind a desk with an Iranian flag and beige backdrop—sought to reassure the nation and project leadership strength following reports of disarray within the IRGC and widespread destruction from Israeli airstrikes.
State media highlighted the Leader’s congratulatory message as a unifying gesture. “First, congratulations on the victory over the fake Zionist regime,” Khamenei stated, portraying Israel as militarily defeated and politically isolated.
Recent Context and Reactions
Over the past two weeks, Iran’s military has suffered considerable losses, including the deaths of IRGC head Hossein Salami and missile commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh. Israeli strikes targeted nuclear sites, command centers, and oil infrastructure. Despite those setbacks, Khamenei’s reemergence aims to stabilize internal power dynamics and counter foreign narratives of regime vulnerability.
President Donald Trump, who earlier claimed the U.S. knew Khamenei’s location but chose not to act, has not yet responded to the televised message. According to CBS News, Trump previously vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Khamenei, seeking to prevent total regional collapse.
Outlook
Though Khamenei’s speech may rally loyalists, observers remain skeptical about the true state of Iran’s strategic position. Dissent within the political elite continues to simmer, and discussions about succession have intensified, especially as Khamenei, now 86, faces ongoing health concerns.
Whether this public message marks a genuine return or merely a brief appearance for morale purposes remains to be seen. But for now, the Islamic Republic seeks to frame the narrative of the recent war as a historic triumph.