In a stunning declaration, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proclaimed a “victory” over Israel in the aftermath of the recent Israel-Iran conflict, claiming that the U.S. gained nothing from the war and entered only to prevent Israel’s total destruction. This audacious statement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli military officials, with retired Colonel Uri Dromy branding Khamenei’s claims as “ridiculous.”

Dromy, who served as a spokesman for Israel’s government, dismissed the Iranian leader’s rhetoric, suggesting that no informed Iranian truly believes in such assertions, particularly with Israeli aircraft reportedly operating freely over Iranian airspace. He emphasized that while the conflict’s immediate outcomes remain unclear, the narrative of Iranian triumph is unfounded.

Khamenei’s remarks come as tensions in the region remain high, with Israel reportedly achieving significant damage to Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, though the full extent remains unverified. Dromy acknowledged that while the strikes may have delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, they are unlikely to have fundamentally altered the trajectory of the program.

As the focus shifts back to Gaza, Dromy urged the Israeli government to prioritize negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the necessity of a humanitarian response amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with both sides entrenched in their positions, and the potential for further escalation looms large.

The world watches closely as these developments unfold, with the stakes higher than ever in a region fraught with tension and uncertainty.