Iran’s Supreme Leader said Israel is entering the “final stages” of its existence, reviving Tehran’s long-standing prediction that the country would not survive another 25 years.
The remark echoes a statement first made in 2015 by then-Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had declared that “Israel won’t exist in 25 years.” The phrase later became a recurring slogan in Iranian political rhetoric and state-backed messaging.
The latest comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following months of military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Iran has continued to frame its missile and drone operations as part of a broader “resistance” campaign against Israel and US influence in the region.
The statement also arrives as Washington and Tehran remain engaged in fragile negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and stabilising the Strait of Hormuz. Recent reports suggest disagreements still remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements.
Israeli officials have repeatedly dismissed Iran’s rhetoric, while warning that Tehran’s missile capabilities and regional alliances remain a major security concern. The war and diplomatic uncertainty have also kept oil markets volatile, with Brent crude remaining elevated amid fears of further disruptions in the Gulf region.