Qais Al-Khazali hails Iran’s ‘victory’ in Israel conflict despite heavy losses

BAGHDAD — Qais Al-Khazali, leader of the Shiite militia Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, issued a statement Tuesday congratulating Iran on what he called a “clear victory” in its 12-day conflict with Israel, despite significant damage to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

“We congratulate the Islamic Republic — its leadership, government, and people — and all the free people of the world on this clear victory and great resilience against the greatest military power in the world, represented by the United States of America and the usurping Zionist entity,” Khazali wrote on his X account. “And what is hidden is greater.”

Khazali claimed Iran had fought without assistance from allies. “The Republic, on its own, was able to confront all the forces of evil combined, without the entity achieving any of its objectives: not regime change, not the destruction of ballistic missile capabilities, nor the destruction of nuclear capabilities,” he said.

His comments came hours after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect at 7 a.m. Tuesday local time, following two weeks of escalating strikes. The truce was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Iran sustained substantial losses during the conflict. Israeli strikes targeted major nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, as well as ballistic missile facilities.

The Islamic Dawa Party, led by former Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, also issued a statement this week praising Iran’s military response and describing the outcome as a “divine victory.”

Qais Al-Khazali’s statement:

We congratulate the Islamic Republic—its leadership, government, and people—and all the free people of the world on this clear victory and great resilience against the greatest military power in the world, represented by the United States of America and the usurping Zionist entity, and what is hidden is greater.

The Republic, on its own, was able to confront all the forces of evil combined, without the entity achieving any of its objectives: not regime change, not the destruction of ballistic missile capabilities, nor the destruction of nuclear capabilities. More than that, the Islamic Republic achieved victory by taking the battle into the heart of Israel, with the missiles of truth continuing to strike targets across the usurping entity until the last moment.

We ask God that this victory for Islam, in stopping the Zionist aggression on the Islamic Republic, be a prelude to ending the Zionist aggression on our oppressed people in Gaza, and a herald of the great conquest with the appearance of our master, the Imam of the Age—peace be upon him.

Mercy to all the martyrs, especially the commander martyrs, healing to the wounded, and honor and dignity to the great Iranian people.