Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly defended his country’s recent missile strikes on Israel, calling them “correct, logical, and lawful.” Speaking to a large crowd in Tehran, Khamenei described the attacks as the “minimum punishment” for Israel’s actions, which he referred to as “astonishing crimes.”
Khamenei Praises Hezbollah and Hamas
During the Friday sermon, Khamenei expressed his support for Hezbollah and Hamas, two Iran-aligned armed groups that have been involved in long-standing conflicts with Israel. Speaking in Arabic to address his Palestinian and Lebanese supporters, Khamenei asserted that these groups provide a “vital service” to the region and the broader Islamic world. He also warned that Iran’s allies would not back down from their resistance against Israel.
Retaliation for Nasrallah’s Assassination
Iran’s missile attack, which saw nearly 200 missiles launched at Israel, was in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Khamenei clarified that Iran launched strikes in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly after Israeli operations targeted key Iran-backed figures. Israel faces blame for assassinating several senior leaders, though it has not officially responded.
Iran’s Role in the ‘Axis of Resistance’
Iran remains a central figure in the so-called ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a network of armed groups that includes Hezbollah and Hamas, which seek to oppose Israel’s presence in the Middle East. Khamenei aimed to reaffirm Iran’s leadership in the alliance with his public address, his first since 2020, amid widespread domestic unrest.
The Symbolic Return of Khamenei to the Pulpit
This rare appearance by Khamenei came as Iran faces internal challenges and growing dissent. His sermon served not only as a show of strength but also as a declaration of Iran’s ongoing commitment to its regional allies. Tens of thousands of people gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque, with many receiving free transportation to attend the event.
Iran Ready for Further Retaliation
Khamenei concluded his speech with a stark warning to Israel, stating that Iran would retaliate again if necessary. He affirmed that Iran is prepared to launch future strikes if Israel escalates the situation. The supreme leader’s comments come as the world watches how Israel might respond to the missile attacks and its broader conflict with Iran.
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