ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The Israeli regime’s sudden war against Iran, launched without warning, shocked the world. On June 13, Israeli forces assassinated several top Iranian military generals, nuclear scientists, and even civilians in a series of brutal airstrikes. Within 12 hours, Iran responded — not just with a symbolic gesture, but with a barrage of missile attacks that sent a clear and powerful message: the Islamic Republic would not be silenced or cowed.
What began as a surprise offensive by Israel soon turned into a fierce and sustained confrontation. Over the following days, at least 21 missile strikes from Iran rained down on Israeli cities, decimating critical infrastructure, destroying military targets, and breaking the morale of Israeli settlers who had initially celebrated what they thought was a tactical victory. But that celebration was short-lived. The Iranian retaliation, far more coordinated and extensive than expected, turned the tide of the war quickly.
When the war came to an abrupt end on June 24 — just 11 days after it began — Israel was left with ruins and regret. None of its objectives had been achieved. Iran’s nuclear facilities remained intact, the Iranian government remained stable, and the support of the Iranian people had only grown stronger. Facing its own military limitations, the Israeli regime pivoted to a familiar tactic: psychological warfare.
But this, too, failed to deliver results. Israeli propaganda began pushing the narrative that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, had gone into hiding, was afraid for his life, and had abandoned the Iranian people. State-aligned Persian-language media channels in the West echoed these claims, hoping to plant seeds of doubt inside Iran. But the Iranian people saw through the lies.
A powerful rebuttal came on June 5, even before the war had ended, when Ayatollah Khamenei appeared publicly at a mourning ceremony for Imam Hussein at the Imam Khomeini Hussainie. As he quietly entered the hall, attendees stood up in unison, chanting “Haidar, Haidar” — a reference to Imam Ali (AS), whose name the Leader shares. Ayatollah Khamenei calmly took his seat, signaling the crowd to settle, his presence speaking louder than any military threat.
The most poignant moment came at the end of the ceremony, when the Leader requested the elegy reciter sing “Ey Iran”, a patriotic anthem that resonates with generations of Iranians. As the reciter sang, “In my soul and life, you shall remain, O my land,” emotions overwhelmed the crowd. Many wept. Ayatollah Khamenei himself sat attentively, his expression soft but resolute.
This rare moment blending deep religious devotion with national pride sent a strong signal. Analysts believe it was a message to Israel and its allies: no matter the bombs, the lies, or the propaganda, the Iranian nation stands united, resilient, and committed to its sovereignty. The impact was immediate.
Even Iranians who rarely engage in religious events took to social media to praise the Leader’s courage. “Ayatollah Khamenei’s recent appearance has brought me a sense of relief and pride,” wrote a young woman from Tehran on X, adding that it reminded her of the calm he conveyed in his war-time address. In the end, Israel’s war may have lasted 11 days, but its defeat in the eyes of many Iranians was total.
