Khamenei Shifts Rhetoric After Israeli Strike
A data analysis of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches reveals a striking shift in his language following Israel’s surprise attack on June 13. The rhetorical pivot suggests a broader change in tone — and possibly, political strategy.
Khamenei, who traditionally emphasizes ideological and religious themes, appears to be pivoting toward a more nationalist message, invoking “Iran” and “the people” more than references to the “Islamic Republic” or “the system.”
By the numbers:
In the months before the attack, Khamenei's most-used words included “work,” “God,” “government,” “system,” and self-referential terms like “I” and “myself,” pointing to a personalized and theocratic style. But in two video messages released after the Israeli strike — and before a ceasefire was reached — the language changed dramatically:
- “Iran” and “people” surged to the forefront of his vocabulary.
- Prior to the war, “Iran” and “people” ranked 15th and 9th respectively in frequency; they became central post-strike.
- First-person references such as “I” and “ِservant” (a humble term often used by Khamenei) virtually disappeared, replaced by collective language focused on the nation.
Between the lines: Reports suggest the 86-year-old leader may have taken refuge in a secure location following the Israeli attack, which possibly influenced the abrupt change in tone.
What’s next: It’s unclear whether this rhetorical shift is tactical or marks a deeper transformation in the leadership's narrative. Upcoming speeches could indicate whether this nationalistic turn is here to stay.
The speech delivered on Thursday, June 25, was not included in this analysis.
