Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken his silence after more than a week in hiding, emerging with a bold statement directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump. Amid escalating tensions and warfare involving Israel, Khamenei had reportedly been sheltering in a secure underground bunker, fearing assassination attempts from Israeli or American agents. Though still not appearing in person, Khamenei issued a defiant social media message on June 26, claiming Iran’s victory over both the U.S. and Israel following Trump’s military strike on three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Khamenei’s statement accused the U.S. of entering the conflict directly out of fear for Israel’s survival, asserting that America achieved nothing militarily. He declared that the Islamic Republic had delivered a “hard slap” to the United States and framed the situation as a triumph for Iran. His prolonged absence from public view had sparked speculation and concern among Iranians, as his last known appearance was via a pre-recorded video over a week ago. The statement appears aimed at projecting strength despite severe damage to Iran’s nuclear program and internal instability. Khamenei’s message attempts to rally domestic support and reassert his control amid reports of possible leadership succession planning and political fractures within Iran’s ruling elite.