Iran Supreme Leader says US misjudged strikes, lauds 'national unity' and resilience

TEHRAN, IRAN: A statement by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was released on Friday, March 20, to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year, alongside Eid al-Fitr greetings.

The statement, issued in text form by the government and broadcast as an audio message on state media, addressed the Iranian public and outlined the leadership’s position on recent conflicts.

It focused on national resilience, regional tensions, and the aftermath of attacks targeting senior Iranian officials. The message also reiterated accusations against the United States and Israel.

Khamenei says ‘false assumption’ failed to weaken Iran 

In the Nowruz message, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran’s adversaries had misjudged the impact of attacks on the country, including the killing of senior military figures.

He stated that such actions were based on what he described as a flawed expectation that Iranian society would collapse under pressure.

“The enemy” had a “false assumption” that targeting top officials, “would create fear and despair among the people and enable their domination over Iran and eventual partition," the message said. It added that the belief Iranians “would overthrow the Islamic system” within days was “a gross miscalculation.”

The statement further claimed that the actions of “America and Israel” had instead been counterproductive.

“The enemy, America and Israel, have been repeatedly trying to inflict harm on the Iranian nation, but your resilience and widespread efforts have confused and weakened them,” the message said.

Khamenei described the past year as one marked by multiple confrontations. “Our noble people endured three confrontations of military, security nature past year,” he said, adding that the country had achieved “resounding triumphs” in what he called a “third imposed war.”

He also emphasized internal unity, stating, “Cohesion amongst people will become stronger, and enemies will be disgraced.” The message framed economic stability as part of national defense, with Khamenei announcing the year’s theme as “Resilient economy alongside national unity, security.” He added, “Boosting people's livelihood a form of significant defence against economic war.”

Regional tensions, condolences and claims against Israel

The statement also addressed Iran’s regional relations amid ongoing tensions. Despite recent retaliatory strikes involving neighboring countries, Khamenei said Iran continues to value ties in the region.

“Our eastern neighbors to be very close to us,” he said, adding that shared cultural and religious links could strengthen relations. “Each of these elements can strengthen good relations, and we are eager for this.”

A demonstrator holds a portrait of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a rally at Enghelab Square in Tehran on March 9, 2026, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran continues following strikes launched on February 28 (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

At the same time, he accused Israel of destabilizing the region, alleging it was “using false-flag tactics to create division between Iran, neighbours.”

He also blamed Israel for attacks in Oman and Turkey, though no evidence was provided in the statement.

The Nowruz message follows earlier reports about Khamenei’s limited public appearances during the ongoing conflict.

He assumed leadership after the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, at the outset of the war. Iranian state media also released what appeared to be archival footage showing him teaching religious studies, though no recent public appearances were confirmed.