Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has made his first public statements since the cease-fire between Iran and Israel was reached. Reported on state media, he congratulated citizens for what he termed a triumph over both Israel and the United States. Khamenei’s absence from the public eye for over a week had sparked concerns about his health and safety, especially following U.S. airstrikes that targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities.

Before his recent comments, Khamenei had only issued statements through other channels while tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, leading to a 12-day military conflict. Speculations of his whereabouts suggested he was in a secure location to avoid potential assassination attempts.

In a message released on social media, Khamenei was quoted saying, “Congratulations on the victory over the fake Zionist regime,” and criticized the U.S. for intervening militarily, claiming that the American forces gained nothing from their actions. His remarks reflect Iran's ongoing defiance and assertiveness in the face of international pressure. The political landscape in the region continues to evolve, marking a significant moment in global affairs.