Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared that Tehran has shed its historical fear of the United States, claiming instead that it is now Washington that is wary of Iran. The statement comes in the wake of a recently concluded conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
In a post shared via his official X handle on Wednesday, Khamenei stated that the U.S. had initiated hostilities against Iran, prompting what he described as a “very significant” retaliatory strike. He suggested that the full scope of Iran’s actions will only become clear once censorship barriers are lifted.
“We retaliated decisively. When the truth emerges, people will see what Iran has truly done,” Khamenei said.
Framing Iran’s role in the recent conflict as assertive rather than reactive, Khamenei pointed to Israel’s request for U.S. assistance as evidence of its weakened position. “If the Zionist regime could defend itself, it wouldn’t have rushed to America for support,” he noted.
While reiterating long-held positions condemning Israel and U.S. support for it, the Iranian leader maintained that Tehran was not the aggressor in the latest confrontation. “We weren’t seeking war, but when attacked, our response was crushing,” he added.
Khamenei emphasized that Iran approaches both diplomatic negotiations and military engagements with thorough preparation. “We do not enter any arena be it military or diplomatic without full readiness,” he asserted.
Reflecting on Iran’s evolution since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei remarked on the country’s rising confidence on the world stage. “There was a time when just hearing the name of America would strike fear in our people. Now, it’s the other way around. Iran confronts and challenges the U.S. boldly,” he said.
The Supreme Leader praised the Iranian people’s resolve, describing their actions during the recent conflict as a “historic achievement.” He framed Iran’s defiance as a significant symbol of national strength, particularly in the face of two major global powers.
The remarks followed the announcement of a ceasefire that brought a 12-day war between Iran and Israel to an end. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the truce during a national broadcast, hailing the “heroic resistance” of the Iranian people.
“The war imposed by the Zionist regime has ended thanks to the determination of our great nation,” Pezeshkian said, according to state-run IRNA.
U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed the ceasefire, stating that both sides had agreed to a full cessation of hostilities, which would be implemented over a 24-hour period.