In a rare public statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader hails his nation’s unity and military strength, calling Israel’s power a “broken illusion” after recent confrontations.

In a powerful message posted today on social media platform X, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Israel's pride and prestige have been shattered in the face of Iran's retaliatory strikes. This marks his third public statement since hostilities erupted between the Islamic Republic and Israel, signaling Tehran’s continued defiance in the escalating conflict.

Khamenei stated, “The Zionist regime’s claims and arrogance have been nearly crushed by the blow delivered by the Islamic Republic. I extend my congratulations for this victory over the deceptive Zionist rule.” The message came just moments before a similar congratulatory post appeared on his Telegram channel in Persian, celebrating what he described as a national victory.

Though Khamenei has remained out of the public eye since the beginning of the conflict, his online communications have carried strong rhetoric aimed at rallying domestic support and projecting Iran’s resilience on the global stage.

He continued in another message, “Congratulations for the third time—for the unity of the Iranian nation. A nation of nearly 90 million stood shoulder to shoulder, supported by its armed forces, demonstrating a united front.” Emphasizing national solidarity, Khamenei portrayed the Iranian people as resolute and singular in voice when facing external threats.

His remarks reflect not only a confidence in Iran’s military capabilities but also a strategic effort to strengthen internal cohesion amid growing international scrutiny and regional instability. By framing the latest developments as a moral and ideological victory over Israel, Khamenei appears to be reinforcing Iran’s long-standing stance against Zionism and signaling endurance in the face of Western pressure.

The current tensions between Iran and Israel have triggered concerns of a broader regional war. As both sides continue to exchange threats and accusations, Khamenei’s statement underscores Iran’s determination to remain firm in its opposition to Israeli military and political influence in the Middle East.

While international observers await further developments, Khamenei’s defiant tone suggests that Iran will continue its current path, leveraging nationalist sentiment and regional alliances to challenge Israeli dominance and Western intervention in the region.