In a rare Friday sermon delivered at Tehran’s Grand Mosque, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made bold declarations regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian-Lebanese forces. Addressing tens of thousands of supporters, Khamenei stated that Israel “won’t last long” and justified Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel as a “public service” aimed at supporting resistance movements.
Khamenei Backs Hamas and Hezbollah
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threw his full support behind both Hamas and Hezbollah, the Palestinian and Lebanese movements, in their fight against Israel. He emphasized that Israel would not prevail against these groups, stating, “No international law has the right to protest against Palestinians and Lebanese standing up for themselves against occupation.”
The sermon took place just three days after Iran launched 180 missiles at key infrastructure in Israel. The Iranian leader framed this aggressive move as part of Iran’s broader mission to resist Zionist influence in the region, calling Israel a “tool” of American power. Khamenei described the Zionist entity as “unstable, fake, and existing only because of American support.”
Tribute to Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah
Khamenei also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Praising him as a symbol of resistance, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is no longer with us, but his spirit and path will continue to inspire us forever.” He referred to Hezbollah as a “blessed tree” that would grow stronger, even in the wake of Nasrallah’s death.
The Iranian Supreme Leader underscored the responsibility of Muslims to stand in solidarity with Lebanon and support their battle for the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, further intensifying his calls for resistance against Israel.
Sermon Amid Regional Tensions
Khamenei’s Friday sermon is his first in five years and comes at a critical moment, with mounting tensions in the Middle East. The address follows a prayer ceremony for Nasrallah and lands just days before the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Gaza war. It also occurs amidst threats to Khamenei’s life, as he remains a top target for Israel following the missile strikes.
The Iranian leader had last delivered a Friday sermon in January 2020, following Iran’s missile attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.
Escalating Conflict
Khamenei’s remarks signal Iran’s unwavering commitment to backing both Hamas and Hezbollah as they continue to fight on Israel’s southern and northern fronts. He affirmed that the October 7 attacks by Hamas were a “correct move” and positioned these acts of resistance as justified responses to what he views as illegitimate occupation by Israel.
Iran’s missile strikes, combined with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei charged rhetoric, mark a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, with both sides poised for further confrontation in the coming days.