Khamenei says US, Israel shifted to ‘hybrid war’ after battlefield defeat

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned on Thursday that the United States and Israel have shifted to "hybrid warfare" against Iran after suffering military defeat, issuing the statement as millions gathered to mark the 37th anniversary of the death of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Khamenei's Message

In a written message read on his behalf during ceremonies at Imam Khomeini's mausoleum in southern Tehran, Khamenei said the "evil" enemy, having been humiliated on the battlefield, is now concentrating its efforts on two objectives: weakening the Iranian people's resilience and creating miscalculations among the country's officials.presstv+1

"The malicious enemy, having been defeated in its confrontation with your brave sons in the Armed Forces and having experienced a profound and meaningful humiliation both on the battlefield and in the public arena, has concentrated its efforts on two objectives in the framework of hybrid warfare," Khamenei said, according to Iran's Press TV.presstv

He accused adversaries of spreading fear, despair, and division to undermine public resolve, and urged Iranians to remain united and vigilant against such efforts.indiatoday+1

Context of Ongoing Tensions

The message comes as the United States and Iran continue negotiations following a ceasefire declared on April 8, which ended weeks of military conflict that began earlier this year. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week that Khamenei appears to be taking a more active role as talks progress, noting that discussions may now encompass aspects of Iran's nuclear program.aljazeera

Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after U.S. airstrikes killed the elder leader at the start of the conflict, has remained largely out of public view for months. Thursday's message represented one of his more forceful public statements, reaffirming Iran's opposition to Israel and support for resistance movements.facebook+2

Domestic and Regional Pressures

The anniversary ceremony took place against a backdrop of fresh domestic unrest, with protests erupting across several major Iranian cities on June 2 as students rallied against the regime. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution last week seeking to halt military operations against Iran unless specifically authorized by Congress.ncr-iran+1

A new ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was also announced on Wednesday, conditional on a complete halt to attacks by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of its operatives from southern Lebanon — a development that underscores the shifting regional dynamics Khamenei's message appeared to address.indiatoday