"The struggle against the corrupt regimes and the corruptors is in two phases... In the short term, one must take aim at the interests of the Crusaders and Jews," Zawahiri said in the 95-minute video shown on Wednesday.

"All those who have attacked the (Islamic) nation must pay the price, in our countries and theirs, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Palestine and in Somalia, but above all where one can strike a blow against their interests," he said.

It was the eighth video released by Zawahiri so far this year, but contained no reference to the failed car bombing attacks in London and Glasgow, nor an attack on Spanish tourists in Yemen that left nine people dead.

It was issued by al-Qaeda's media outlet As-Sahab (which means the cloud in Arabic) as the United States marked the July 4 independence day.

Zawahiri, appearing in a white robe and turban, predicted defeat for the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying "The wind --- by the grace of Allah -- is blowing against Washington."

The Egyptian-born Zawahiri frequently emerges in video or audio tapes to speak for the al-Qaeda network. With bin Laden now staying out of the public eye, he has become its most senior spokesman as well.