Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has recently delivered a powerful message regarding the ongoing conflict with Israel, asserting that Iran and its regional allies will not yield to Israeli military actions. In a rare Friday sermon at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, Khamenei defended Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel as a legitimate response to what he termed “heinous crimes” committed by the Israeli state.
Khamenei’s sermon comes in the wake of Iran’s firing of around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which he characterized as a retaliation for the Israeli killings of key figures associated with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the prominent Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He emphasized that the “resistance” in the region will not be deterred by the loss of leadership, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to its allies and the broader “axis of resistance,” which includes groups like Hezbollah and armed factions in Iraq and Yemen.
Addressing a large audience, Khamenei called for unity among Muslim nations, urging them to come together against Israel, which he described as the common enemy. He claimed that Israel employs various forms of warfare—psychological, economic, and military—to divide and conquer. His call for solidarity spans from Afghanistan to Yemen, highlighting the need for a united front in response to what he perceives as a significant threat posed by Israeli actions.
The timing of Khamenei’s sermon is notable, as it coincides with heightened tensions following Israel’s ground operations in southern Lebanon. Khamenei’s rhetoric was particularly aimed at dispelling any notion that Iran would retreat or go into hiding. Instead, he portrayed Iran as resolute and willing to engage in calculated military responses while cautioning against impulsive actions.
Khamenei’s statements come almost a year after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which sparked a prolonged conflict that has resulted in significant casualties, particularly among Palestinians. The sermon was marked by a somber commemoration of Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike, signaling the stakes involved for Iran and its allies in the ongoing violence.
Throughout his address, Khamenei framed the conflict as one that transcends national boundaries, asserting that the enemy seeks to create divisions among Muslim countries. He urged Muslims to recognize this threat and act collectively to counter Israeli policies. His emphasis on unity can be seen as a response to past criticisms regarding Iran’s isolation from the region.
Khamenei’s return to leading Friday prayers after a four-year hiatus signifies the importance of the moment for Iranian leadership. His message of resilience and solidarity is aimed at reinforcing Iranian influence in the region while rallying support among allies who share a common animosity toward Israel.
In the broader context, Iran’s recent missile attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a strategic approach to demonstrate its military capabilities and commitment to its allies. The Iranian leadership has made it clear that any new Israeli aggression towards Iran itself would result in what they term an “unconventional response,” which could involve targeting critical infrastructure within Israel.
As tensions continue to escalate, both sides are on high alert, with Israel recently launching retaliatory strikes against targets in Beirut, including those associated with Hezbollah. Khamenei’s assertive stance reflects a determination to maintain a posture of strength amid these developments, as the region faces the potential for broader conflict.
Overall, Khamenei’s sermon not only reiterates Iran’s unwavering support for its allies but also aims to unify Muslim nations against perceived external threats. This call for solidarity and resistance highlights the complex and volatile nature of the regional dynamics, as Iran positions itself as a key player in the ongoing conflict with Israel and its allies.
