Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel has suffered a 'defeat' in its war against Hamas, and that it was 'a fact'. Khamenei charged that Israel 'has so far failed' in achieving its declared goal of destroying Hamas 'despite the massive bombings' of Gaza. Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the October 7 attacks a 'success' but denied any direct involvement.