Iranian Media Celebrate Halt in Attacks as US Retreats, Mock Trump

Iranian media are portraying the recent cessation of attacks as a significant Iranian victory and an American defeat. Conservative outlets aligned with the Iranian regime ridicule US President Donald Trump, claiming his administration failed to achieve its objectives and was forced to withdraw. Tehran attributes the US retreat to heavy losses and damage to energy infrastructure, presenting the halt as a concession by Washington.

The conservative Iranian newspaper Kayhan, known as a regime mouthpiece, highlights Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's message responding to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, stating "there is no way but jihad and resistance." Kayhan emphasizes Iran's commitment to defending Lebanese fighters and continuing support for Hezbollah. The paper also lists extensive American intelligence and command centers targeted during the 15 days of conflict, asserting Iran broke the naval blockade by seizing weapons shipments.

Another conservative outlet, Al-Mashari, mocks Trump with a front-page cartoon depicting him running out of ammunition, symbolizing the US's depleted resources. It lists eight reasons for the American withdrawal, including US casualties, damage to energy infrastructure, rising oil prices, fears of war escalation, and Iran's superior intelligence and operational capabilities. The paper stresses that ending aggression against Lebanon is a prerequisite for peace.

Vatan-e Emrooz publishes a "victory report," featuring statements from the Revolutionary Guards spokesman who details the damage inflicted by Iranian missile strikes on US bases, framing this as proof that Iran compelled the US to stop attacks. Meanwhile, Javan newspaper asserts that the US failed to meet its war aims and found no exit strategy, warning against giving America another chance and calling for thorough security lessons from the conflict.

Overall, Iranian media uniformly depict the pause in hostilities as a strategic triumph for Iran and a humiliating setback for the US, reinforcing a narrative of steadfast resistance and ongoing support for Hezbollah in Lebanon.