Iran's supreme leader speaks out for first time since missile attacks with unexpected message for the US after 'going into hiding'

The Supreme Leader of Iran has spoken out after remaining in hiding for over a week, and has issued a stern message to Donald Trump.

In the midst of warfare against Israel, 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei failed to be seen for over seven days. According to the New York Times, he has been hiding in a bunker deep below ground in fear of being assassinated by either Israeli or American agents.

From his hiding place, and still not being seen in person, Iranian politician Khamenei has since addressed the ongoing warfare, surprisingly declaring victory over both Israel and the United States.

Beginning his damning statement by slamming the United States, he wrote on social media on Thursday (26 Jun): "The American regime entered a direct war because it felt that if it did not, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed.

Trump bombed three of Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

"However, it gained no achievements from this war. Here, too, the Islamic Republic emerged victorious, and in return, the Islamic Republic delivered a hard slap to America’s face."

It's been over a week since Khamenei was last seen with a video message, and over a fortnight since he was spotted in the flesh. According to local reports, many Iranian citizens had been concerned for their Supreme Leader's wellbeing amid the conflict.

The head of his archives office previously attempted to reassure his followers of his safety, claiming those that protect him have done their 'job well'.

Mehdi Fazaeli announced: "God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing."

The latest war between Iran and Israel kicked off earlier this month, when the latter suddenly launched several missiles in the direction of the former, who quickly retaliated in equal measure.

President Trump quickly responded to news of the attack by claiming his patience between the ever-conflicting nations was 'wearing thin' and called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender'.

The Iranian leader released a statement from hiding (ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," he wrote of Khamenei on Truth Social on 18 June. "He is an easy target but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now."

Despite initially vowing to set a two-week window to make a decision on militant intervention, Trump went on to bomb three of Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend, claiming to have 'totally obliterated' the country's weapons.

It later emerged that he'd acted in response to a sleeper-cell terror threat made by Iran. Iranian officials themselves responded by firing three ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar.

Hours later, however, the American leader publicly proposed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, giving the pair a deadline. Unfortunately for Trump, despite the two countries initially agreeing to peace, both were accused of 'violating' the agreement by continuing to attack one another with missiles.

More to follow.