In a powerful and provocative address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared a strategic victory over Israel, marking the first public statement following the conclusion of the 12-day Israel-Iran war. Khamenei also criticised the United States' direct involvement, calling Iran’s strike on the American Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar a “slap to the US”, as he framed the outcome of the conflict as a decisive blow to both Israel and its Western allies.

The war, which unfolded rapidly in early June 2025, witnessed heavy Israeli aerial assaults on Tehran that forced Khamenei to take shelter in an undisclosed location, a rare and telling move. The Iranian retaliation, culminating in missile strikes across Israeli and US regional assets, particularly targeted strategic military positions, triggering global diplomatic concern and efforts for de-escalation.

Khamenei’s Statement: A Celebration of Resistance

In a series of social media posts on Platform X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei claimed that the war ended not with compromise but with an Iranian victory.

"My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime," Khamenei said.
“With all that commotion and all those claims, the Zionist regime was practically knocked out and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic,” he asserted.

Khamenei alleged that Israel was close to total collapse, and that the US only intervened to prevent complete destruction of the Zionist regime, suggesting that the US's actions were reactive, not preemptive, and ultimately ineffective.

Strike on Al-Udeid: A Warning to Washington

Khamenei also confirmed that Iranian forces targeted the Al-Udeid Air Base, one of the US’s largest military installations in the Middle East, located in Qatar. He declared that the strike sent a strong signal:

“The Islamic Republic has access to key US centres in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary… Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price,” he warned.

This statement underscores Iran’s operational reach and its willingness to strike beyond its immediate borders, particularly when confronted by what it views as unjust aggression.

A Delicate Ceasefire Brokered by Trump

The war formally ended after US President Donald Trump facilitated a ceasefire between the warring nations. At a NATO summit, Trump confirmed his administration’s role in ending hostilities, stating:

"They fought, the war is done."

Trump revealed that talks between US and Iranian officials are expected next week, potentially paving the way for a diplomatic breakthrough, although he downplayed the possibility of resuming broad negotiations with Tehran.

“We may sign an agreement, I don't know,” Trump said when asked about a potential deal, referencing the existing breakdown in US-Iran trust.

Despite the potential for diplomacy, Trump reiterated that recent US airstrikes had destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities, a claim not independently verified and which Iran disputes.

Iran’s Response to US Diplomatic Overtures

Iran has not officially acknowledged that talks will occur next week. A senior Iranian diplomat, speaking anonymously, questioned whether the US could be trusted, especially after its direct military intervention during the recent conflict. The sixth round of nuclear negotiations, which was supposed to take place in Oman earlier this month, was cancelled after Israel launched its offensive on Iranian territory.

US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that direct and indirect backchannel communications have taken place, suggesting some diplomatic groundwork exists, but a formal pathway to resolution remains uncertain.

Regional and Global Implications

The war has had profound implications across the Middle East:

• Tehran’s strategic messaging is aimed at consolidating regional influence and demonstrating deterrent capabilities, especially against US and Israeli military infrastructure.

• Israel’s vulnerability, as portrayed by Iranian rhetoric, may prompt increased security investments and military recalibration in Tel Aviv.

• Washington’s military assets in the region are now in a more precarious position, with Iran claiming capacity to strike at will.

Global stakeholders including Russia, China, and European nations have called for de-escalation, with many warning that future hostilities could spiral into a broader regional war.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Still a Flashpoint

Khamenei’s defiant posture aligns with Iran’s long-standing stance on nuclear sovereignty. Despite the US declaring Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as damaged, Tehran has reiterated its right to continue peaceful nuclear development, refusing to yield under pressure.

This remains one of the most contentious elements in any US-Iran diplomatic effort. Without consensus on this issue, even temporary ceasefires may not translate into lasting peace or policy normalisation.

Conclusion: Escalation Managed, But Peace Fragile

While Khamenei’s victory declaration is aimed at boosting domestic morale and projecting regional dominance, the broader picture is one of fragile calm. The Israel-Iran war may have ended militarily, but the rhetoric and strategic antagonism remain unresolved.

President Trump’s diplomatic involvement and claims of neutralising Iran’s nuclear ambitions reflect a dual approach—balancing deterrence with dialogue. However, the lack of formal communication channels and the absence of mutual trust may limit the scope of any durable agreement.

For now, the world watches as US-Iran relations teeter between fragile diplomacy and renewed confrontation, while the Middle East absorbs the aftermath of yet another devastating flashpoint.

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