Khamenei Speaks Out for the First Time After Ceasefire

In the wake of the ceasefire agreement that took effect earlier this week, Khamenei made his first comments, claiming victory in the war with Israel and stating that the U.S. intervention has been fruitless.

In a pre-recorded video speech, he stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has ultimately achieved victory and has given the 'mushroom' a resounding slap in the face," adding that the 'mushroom' has "gained nothing from this war."

These comments come at a time when Washington's assessment of the effectiveness of the 'mushroom' airstrikes has shown contradictions. Trump claimed that key nuclear facilities have been "leveled to the ground," a statement that contradicts the Pentagon's intelligence assessment.

Since Israel launched attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and military targets, Khamenei has not appeared in public. Over the tumultuous 12 days, several Iranian military leaders and scientists were killed, and the 'mushroom' joined Israel in striking Iran's nuclear facilities, while Tehran targeted a 'mushroom' base located in Qatar.

Ultimately, Trump announced the ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, which has since been largely maintained, although early violations by both sides once threatened the execution of the agreement.

"If any acts of aggression occur, the enemy will pay a heavy price," Khamenei warned, indicating that Iran may strike U.S. military bases in the region again in the future.

In Tehran, lawmakers have been working to limit Iran's cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog—the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Both the Iranian Parliament and the country's powerful Guardian Council have approved a bill aimed at suspending Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA.

Iranian officials have strongly condemned the IAEA for violating its own principles of neutrality and accused the agency of providing an excuse for Israel's attacks on Iran.

If the bill comes into effect—though it may still require further approval from the Supreme National Security Council—Iran will violate its agreement terms with the IAEA. Iran can only legally terminate its cooperation with the agency if it formally withdraws from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Since the conflict began, the IAEA has been unable to conduct verification in Iran and has stated that it needs to confirm the whereabouts of Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile.