The aging leader’s message was defiant but somber, delivered in front of a tan curtain flanked by an Iranian flag and a portrait of his predecessor.

Given public officials’ varying responses regarding U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran, we wanted to seek reader feedback. Take MLive's onling survey.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed victory over Israel and the U.S. in his first comments since the recent war ended with a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. Khamenei also said Iran had delivered a "heavy slap to the U.