Iranians Celebrate Victory Over Israel After Ceasefire
TEHRAN – June 25, 2025 – Across Iran, jubilant crowds have taken to the streets, celebrating what many are calling a decisive victory over Israel following the implementation of a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States. The 12-day conflict, which saw unprecedented direct exchanges of missiles and airstrikes, has ended with a palpable sense of triumph among the Iranian populace, despite conflicting reports on the extent of damage to their nuclear facilities.
From Tehran to Mashhad, Iranians waved flags, chanted slogans of "Death to Israel," and distributed sweets, expressing profound relief and pride in their nation's ability to withstand and respond to Israeli aggression. State media has heavily emphasized the narrative of a successful deterrence, portraying the ceasefire as a clear sign of Israel's defeat and Iran's unwavering strength.
"We have shown the world that we will not be bullied," declared Fatemeh Alizadeh, a university student celebrating in Azadi Square. "This is a victory for the resistance, a victory for justice, and a testament to our resolve."
The celebrations come after a tense 12 days of tit-for-tat strikes that began with Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, followed by Iran's retaliatory missile and drone launches. While official Iranian reports claim minimal damage from Israeli and US strikes, American intelligence assessments suggest Iran's nuclear program has been set back by a few months, not "completely obliterated" as initially boasted by some US officials.
Despite the US claim of having "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities, Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear program remains intact and will continue, albeit for peaceful purposes. UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council that the Islamic Republic emerged "proud and steadfast" from the recent aggression.
The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, has been met with a mix of relief and skepticism globally. While many international observers welcome the halt in hostilities, concerns remain about the long-term stability of the region and the underlying tensions that fueled the conflict. The deal was reportedly a phased approach, with Iran halting strikes first, followed by Israel. However, early reports indicated violations by both sides before the ceasefire truly took hold, with President Trump reportedly intervening directly to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to the agreement.
In the aftermath, both Israel and Iran are claiming victory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also declared a "historic victory," stating that Israel "thwarted Iran's nuclear project." This stark contrast in narratives highlights the deeply entrenched positions of both nations and the challenge of achieving a lasting peace.
For now, the streets of Iran resonate with the sounds of celebration, a collective sigh of relief, and a resounding declaration of perceived victory in the face of a conflict that gripped the world's attention.
