Iran's supreme leader claims 'victory' in his first comments after U.S. strikes

Iran's government also voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which will stymie efforts to monitor its uranium enrichment.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, broke his weeklong silence Thursday, claiming in a televised speech that his country had secured a victory over Israel and delivered a "slap in the face" to Washington.

Hours earlier, Iran's government also approved legislation to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, a move that will stymie efforts to assess the damage from U.S. airstrikes and monitor uranium enrichment.

“The Islamic Republic emerged victorious and, in return, delivered a harsh slap to America’s face,” Khamenei said after eight days of silence.