Pakistan, June 27 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken his silence following the recent 12-day war with Israel, reappearing in a video address to declare "victory." However, his weak and hoarse voice, absence of a live audience, and plain backdrop have raised concerns about both his health and authority. Analysts suggest Khamenei may still be in hiding due to Israeli threats, and his hold on power, though intact, appears increasingly fragile.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said their forces would have killed Khamenei if they had the chance, adding the military "searched a lot" during the conflict. While the war ended without regime change in Tehran, Israel succeeded in assassinating several of Khamenei's top a...