As Iran and much of the world reels from the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israel strikes early Sunday, his final public speech has come under spotlight. Delivered on February 17, just over ten days ago, Khamenei’s address included sharp warnings against the United States and Israel, reflections on unrest inside Iran, and references to Iran's history.
He directly criticised the US, calling it a “crumbling empire” and asserting that America was in decline. “It’s a system that is truly in decline. It’s an empire that’s heading toward a collapse,” he said. He rejected pressure over Iran’s defence capabilities and nuclear programme, adding: “The problem we have with the United States is that they want to devour Iran, and the Iranian nation is preventing them. The Islamic Republic stands in their way.” On American threats, he added pointedly: “You, too, won’t be able to do such a thing,” referring to eliminating the Islamic Republic.
