‘Israeli attacks an illusion’: Iran supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s defiant Nowruz message

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also commended Iranians for what he called “building a nationwide defensive front and strongholds across cities, neighbourhoods, and mosques”.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a defiant written statement praising the Iranian public’s “steadfastness” three weeks into the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel.

The message, released Friday to mark the Persian New Year, Nowruz, was read on Iranian state television, the AP reported. In the statement, Khamenei said that US and Israeli attacks were based on what he described as an “illusion” that killing top leaders could lead to the overthrow of Iran’s government.

He also commended Iranians for what he called “building a nationwide defensive front and strongholds across cities, neighbourhoods, and mosques,” adding that this had delivered “such a bewildering blow that the enemy fell into contradictions and irrational statements.”

Khamenei has not appeared in public since succeeding his father, who was killed in strikes on the first day of the war. Israeli and US officials have said that the younger Khamenei was wounded in those initial attacks.

Meanwhile, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. According to an AP report quoting US officials, three additional warships along with approximately 2,500 Marines are being deployed to the Middle East.

One official confirmed that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, carrying Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departed from their home port in San Diego and are headed toward West Asia.

The report added that two other officials also confirmed the deployment of the ships but did not disclose their destination. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the military operations.

(With agency inputs)

The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a defiant written statement praising the Iranian public’s “steadfastness” three weeks into the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel.

The message, released Friday to mark the Persian New Year, Nowruz, was read on Iranian state television, the AP reported. In the statement, Khamenei said that US and Israeli attacks were based on what he described as an “illusion” that killing top leaders could lead to the overthrow of Iran’s government.

He also commended Iranians for what he called “building a nationwide defensive front and strongholds across cities, neighbourhoods, and mosques,” adding that this had delivered “such a bewildering blow that the enemy fell into contradictions and irrational statements.”

Khamenei has not appeared in public since succeeding his father, who was killed in strikes on the first day of the war. Israeli and US officials have said that the younger Khamenei was wounded in those initial attacks.

Meanwhile, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. According to an AP report quoting US officials, three additional warships along with approximately 2,500 Marines are being deployed to the Middle East.

One official confirmed that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, carrying Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departed from their home port in San Diego and are headed toward West Asia.

The report added that two other officials also confirmed the deployment of the ships but did not disclose their destination. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the military operations.

(With agency inputs)