Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of defiant messages today during the fragile ceasefire with Israel, warning that Iran’s navy remains prepared for further confrontation even as U.S. officials say the country’s military has been severely weakened.

Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since taking power after being seriously wounded in the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed his father, delivered the statements in connection with Iran’s Armed Forces Day.

Despite ongoing negotiations and a temporary truce with Israel, Khamenei used his official channels to project strength and readiness.

“Just as Iran’s drones strike like lightning against the US and Zionist criminals, Israel, the brave navy is also prepared to inflict new bitter defeat on enemies,” a post from Khamanei’s Telegram account read.

In additional messages, he sought to portray the military as closely tied to the Iranian people.

“The Army is like the nation’s child, which arises from within the heart of the people’s homes,” the shadowy cleric boasted in another post.

He continued by emphasizing the army’s role in defending the country.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army is now courageously defending the land, water, and flag that belong to it,” another post stated.

Khamenei also framed the conflict in ideological terms, referencing the United States and Israel.

“Iran’s Army is standing side by side with their comrades from other armed forces, battling the two leading armies of disbelief and Arrogance,” he wrote in another post referencing the US and Israel.

“And the Islamic Army has exposed those armies’ weakness and humiliation to the world,” Khamenei laughably claimed.

President Donald Trump, however, rejected those assertions, saying Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed.

“Their military is destroyed, their whole navy is underwater. One hundred fifty ships are gone, their navy is gone,” Trump told reporters outside Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on April 13.

“I think Iran is in very bad shape. I think they’re pretty desperate … We had a meeting that lasted 21 hours. We understand the situation better than anybody, and Iran’s in very bad shape.”

Khamenei’s remarks come during a delicate 10-day ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which is scheduled to expire on April 22.

At the same time, Iran has maintained its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the key shipping route today after the United States signaled it would continue its blockade of vessels linked to Iran.

The renewed limits on the strait follow Trump’s announcement a day earlier that the U.S. blockade on Tehran “will remain in full force.”