Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei declares enemies defeated in Nowruz message

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared that Iran's enemies had been 'defeated' in a written Nowruz message marking the Persian New Year.

“Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the enemy has been “defeated,” praising national unity and resilience in a defiant Nauroz message delivered as the war with the United States and Israel enters its fourth week”

Aaj English TV

The message was delivered amid the third week of ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Aaj English TV

The statement was read on Iranian state television and emphasized that national unity among Iranians had led to the enemy's defeat.

Khamenei asserted that the US and Israel had miscalculated, believing that a few days of attacks would result in the overthrow of the Iranian government.

Instead, he claimed the enemy's strategy was flawed from the outset and that Iranian unity had actually strengthened the state.

Khamenei's message came during a period of significant turmoil, marking his first major public address since succeeding his father.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in Israeli airstrikes on the first day of the war.

Al Jazeera

The younger Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over, with officials claiming he was wounded in initial strikes.

Despite his absence, he detailed extensive losses across civilian and military ranks.

This included the tragic Minab school attack that state media reported killed at least 165 people, mostly children.

Iran has blamed US-Israeli strikes for this incident, though Trump has denied US involvement.

The Iranian regime escalated its rhetoric with threats targeting international recreational and tourist sites worldwide.

“It was a written statement”

Daily Express

Top Iranian military spokesman General Abolfazl Shekarchi declared that 'parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you.'

This renewed fears that Iran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic.

Concurrently, Iran maintained its claims of continued military production.

Revolutionary Guard spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini stated that 'we are producing missiles even during war conditions.'

However, this claim was immediately contradicted when Iranian state television announced that Naeini himself was killed in an airstrike.

The Iranian government has also accused Israel of using 'false-flag tactics' aimed at creating divisions.

While Khamenei adopted a defiant stance in his Nowruz message, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian offered a more conciliatory approach.

Pezeshkian extended Nowruz greetings while emphasizing that Iran 'does not seek conflict with neighbouring nations.'

DNA India

He highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy regional relations and addressing neighboring countries directly.

Pezeshkian stated that 'our difficulties are the result of the interference of enemies' and called for resolving differences with regional neighbors.

He also reiterated Iran's official position that the country does not wish to acquire nuclear weapons.

Pezeshkian noted that the Supreme Leader has declared nuclear weapons 'religiously forbidden.'

This dual messaging reflects Iran's complex strategy of projecting strength while managing regional tensions.

International reactions to Khamenei's victory declaration were sharply divided.

“The Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a message on Friday (the 20th) in which he declared that the enemy is "defeated"”

Folha de S.Paulo

US President Donald Trump dismissed Iranian claims and asserted American dominance in the conflict.

Folha de S.Paulo

Trump declared 'I think we have won' and stated he 'doesn't want to do a ceasefire' when 'you're literally obliterating the other side.'

The US President slammed NATO allies as 'cowards' over alleged lack of support for the Iran war.

Trump announced that other nations would have to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional media highlighted the contrast between Iranian claims and ongoing violence.

Reports indicated loud explosions were heard over Tehran even as Khamenei delivered his message.

Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem after Israeli army warnings of incoming Iranian missiles.