US, Israel Dispute Iran's Victory Claim After Strikes

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance since the recent ceasefire, claiming victory over Israel and asserting that Iran had delivered a major blow to the US. Khamenei argued in public statements that Iran's strikes nearly collapsed Israel and that US intervention did not alter the war's outcome. US and Israeli officials disputed these claims, stating their joint strikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear program and set back its enrichment efforts by years. Reports indicate Iran's missile attacks caused relatively limited damage to Israel, with most casualties being civilians, while Israeli and US strikes inflicted heavy military losses on Iran. Khamenei warned that Iran could target US bases in the region if provoked. His reemergence after speculation about his absence highlights continued tensions and conflicting narratives regarding the conflict's results.