Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has made a bold declaration regarding the future of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. During a rare public sermon in Tehran, Khamenei assured that these organizations would re-emerge stronger with new leadership, despite recent setbacks. This statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel and ongoing conflicts in multiple fronts. Ali Khamenei’s address not only defended Iran’s actions but also made a passionate appeal for Muslim unity in the face of regional challenges.

Defending Iran’s Actions and Calling for Unity

Speaking before tens of thousands in Tehran, Ali Khamenei characterized Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack on Israel as “legal and legitimate.” The attack, which involved over 180 missiles, was framed as retaliation for the deaths of key figures in the resistance movement, including Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, and Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The supreme leader’s decision to deliver this message in both Arabic and Farsi underscored its intended reach across the region.

Khamenei’s speech went beyond mere justification of Iran’s actions. He made a broader appeal to Muslims “from Afghanistan to Yemen, and from Iran to Gaza,” urging them to be prepared for action. This call for unity was coupled with praise for those who had sacrificed their lives in the cause. The choice of venue and timing for this address – the first time Ali Khamenei has led Friday prayers since the assassination of Revolutionary Guards leader Qassem Suleimani in 2020 – highlighted the gravity of the current situation in Iranian eyes.

Escalating Tensions and Regional Conflicts

While Khamenei spoke in Tehran, the situation on the ground continued to deteriorate. Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes overnight, targeting southern suburbs of Beirut and severing the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. These actions have further complicated the humanitarian situation, with tens of thousands of people fleeing the Israeli bombardment now facing additional obstacles.

The conflict has taken a severe toll on Lebanon, with government figures indicating that over 2,000 people have been killed in nearly a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The intensity of the conflict has led to the suspension of services at four hospitals in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. In response to the escalating situation, Israel has ordered residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate immediately, signaling the likelihood of more airstrikes.

On the other side, Hezbollah has maintained its offensive posture, launching approximately 100 rockets into Israel on Friday alone. The group also claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. These actions have prompted retaliatory measures from the Israel Defense Forces, which claims to have killed more than 250 Hezbollah fighters since the start of recent ground operations.

Global Reactions and Future Implications

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating violence. The spokesperson for UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned the “totally unacceptable” loss of civilian life in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Gulf state leaders, meeting in Doha, have indicated that they would not support a US attack on Iran but would remain neutral in the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attempted to drive a wedge between the Iranian people and their leadership, appealing directly to ordinary Iranians to overthrow the regime. However, the massive turnout for Ali Khamenei’s address suggests that, at least for now, many Iranians feel aligned with their government’s stance on resistance to Israel.

As the Middle East crisis deepens, Ali Khamenei’s defiant speech marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. By tying Iran’s fate so closely to the Palestinian resistance, the supreme leader has raised the stakes for all parties involved. However, this strategy carries risks, given Iran’s economic challenges and the potential for further escalation. As the region braces for Israel’s anticipated response to Iran’s missile attack, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a diplomatic solution to prevent further loss of life and displacement. Ali Khamenei’s words may have rallied supporters, but they have also underscored the complex web of alliances and enmities that continue to shape the Middle East’s volatile landscape.