Iranian Leader Khamenei Issues First Public Remarks After US Airstrike

Iranian leader Ali Khamenei suggested that the United States did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Iranian leader Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, on March 21, 2025. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA/Reuters

Iranian leader Ali Khamenei provided his first public statement on June 26 after U.S. airstrikes on the country’s nuclear program, declaring that the United States “achieved nothing.”

In his remarks, issued via state-run media outlets including Tasnim News, Khamenei declared victory over Israel and the United States.