Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei has lauded the Islamic Republic’s growing strength and resilience in the face of an Israeli-imposed war, declaring that Iran’s firm foundations and national unity have sent a clear message to its adversaries around the world.

Marking the 40th day since the martyrdom of several Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed in the recent 12-day war, Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that the war served as a testament to the Islamic Republic’s enduring power and the unwavering will of its people. 

“In the face of aggression, the Islamic Republic of Iran demonstrated its solid bases to the world,” he said during a commemorative speech. “The war was not only a sign of our nation's will and might but also a reflection of the deep roots and stability of the Islamic Establishment.” 

Iranian values challenge global arrogance

Sayyed Khamenei asserted that the main driver behind the hostilities was not Iran’s nuclear program or human rights record, but rather the faith, knowledge, and unity of the Iranian people. He argued that such values posed a direct challenge to what he referred to as the “Global Arrogance,” led by the United States. 

“They use nuclear enrichment and human rights as excuses,” he said. “Their real problem is with the emergence of a powerful, independent Islamic discourse rooted in science, technology, and religious values.”

The Iranian leader assured that the nation would continue on its path of growth and development, expressing confidence in the country’s youth to drive Iran toward international prominence. He also paid tribute to the fallen, offering condolences to the families of the martyred while praising their sacrifice as a source of national honor.

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“In this war, not only did the Iranian nation display unmatched power and determination, but it also forced the Zionist enemy to retreat on multiple fronts,” Sayyed Khamenei declared. “This strength will persist, and our talented youth will continue to push back against aggression.”

Strategic victory

The 12-day war concluded with a ceasefire widely seen as a political and strategic setback for "Israel," which failed to achieve any of its objectives and emerged militarily damaged, economically weakened, and diplomatically cornered. In contrast, Iran demonstrated its growing deterrent power and reaffirmed its pivotal role in the regional balance of power, not through mere rhetoric, but through effective, coordinated resistance.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously affirmed that the Israeli assault was a calculated provocation and that Iran's counterstrikes were a legitimate act of self-defense. "War has never been our choice," he said in an interview with China's CGTN. "But if it is imposed on us, we are completely ready." Araghchi noted that Iran remains on high alert and that any ceasefire violations by the occupation will be met with immediate and forceful responses.

Araghchi also highlighted the danger of attacking peaceful nuclear facilities, warning of potential environmental disasters and calling such acts "unforgivable." He urged global actors to support diplomatic solutions and emphasized that Iran continues to honor its commitments to peaceful nuclear development, placing the blame for the ongoing crisis squarely on Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran thwarted plans for regime change

One of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry's detailed the thwarting of an Israeli-US plan to install a puppet government in Iran led by the exiled Reza Pahlavi as one of its most significant achievements.

In addition, Tehran thwarted an Israeli-backed scheme to instigate riots inside Evin prison, arresting 122 operatives in 23 different provinces, while dismantling riot cells paid via cryptocurrency, arresting 65 individuals in the process.

The statement added that Iran arrested 53 members of a Christian group posing as missionaries and discovered and confiscated weapons, in addition to safehouses.

Iran also managed to thwart a scheme targeting Iranian celebrities, which sought to recruit them via conferences in either the United States or Turkiye.

The Iranian Ministry also exposed covert Mossad communications with Iranian citizens, arresting administrators of spy-linked media channels, while detecting and mitigating cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.