Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently made a powerful statement, emphasizing that Iran and its allies will continue their stance against Israel. During a notable Friday sermon at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, Khamenei made his first public appearance since Iran's significant missile attack on Israel.
This operation was in retaliation to Israel's targeted killings of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, amidst intensifying actions in Lebanon.
Khamenei declared the resistance would persist despite the loss of its leaders, branding the missile strike on Israel as both "legal and legitimate." He attributed this action to Israel's "atrocities," asserting Iran's commitment to its allies with a thoughtful approach. "We won't act on impulse," Khamenei assured, indicating decisions would be guided by the nation’s political and military heads.
Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar reported from Tehran during this critical period, noting how Khamenei’s sermon delivered a bold message to Israel - showcasing Iran’s openness and resilience. Remarkably, this was Khamenei's first Friday sermon in over four years, occurring just before the anniversary of an attack by Hamas on Israel that escalated into a war affecting Lebanon and resulting in significant Palestinian casualties.
Khamenei called upon Muslim nations to unite against their common adversary, Israel, accusing it of employing psychological, economic, and military tactics against them. Highlighting unity as essential for regional stability amidst threats of widespread conflict, Khamenei appealed for collective action among Muslim countries to deter potential wars.
This appeal for unity comes as a counter-narrative to criticisms suggesting Iran has been isolating itself within the region over the past decade. The speech aimed at rallying support reflects concerns over escalating regional tensions potentially leading to broader conflicts.
Khamenei's leadership extends back to significant moments like after the US killed General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. His recent address also paid tribute to Nasrallah and others lost in conflict while highlighting Iran’s retaliatory measures against Israeli provocations — notably two missile attacks this year aimed at sending strong messages following Israeli strikes on Iranian interests.
The ongoing conflict witnessed new developments with an Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon and continued airstrikes around Beirut targeting key figures within Hezbollah. Amidst these tensions, reports emerged of Tehran warning of an “unconventional response” through intermediaries should Israel escalate its offensive efforts targeting Iranian infrastructure.
US President Joe Biden hinted at possible responses from Israel that could target Iran’s crucial oil facilities amid these growing tensions. This complicated web of military actions and retaliations underscores a volatile situation that demands careful navigation from all parties involved to prevent further escalation into a full-blown regional war.
This operation was in retaliation to Israel's targeted killings of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, amidst intensifying actions in Lebanon.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of #Iran, said in Friday prayers in Tehran:
— Arezoo (@Arezoo78772810) October 4, 2024
"I invite all dear brothers and sisters to observe divine piety
Let's be careful not to go beyond the limits of God in our speech and actions"#جمعة_مباركة pic.twitter.com/if3Nit7yUq
Khamenei declared the resistance would persist despite the loss of its leaders, branding the missile strike on Israel as both "legal and legitimate." He attributed this action to Israel's "atrocities," asserting Iran's commitment to its allies with a thoughtful approach. "We won't act on impulse," Khamenei assured, indicating decisions would be guided by the nation’s political and military heads.
Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar reported from Tehran during this critical period, noting how Khamenei’s sermon delivered a bold message to Israel - showcasing Iran’s openness and resilience. Remarkably, this was Khamenei's first Friday sermon in over four years, occurring just before the anniversary of an attack by Hamas on Israel that escalated into a war affecting Lebanon and resulting in significant Palestinian casualties.
Khamenei called upon Muslim nations to unite against their common adversary, Israel, accusing it of employing psychological, economic, and military tactics against them. Highlighting unity as essential for regional stability amidst threats of widespread conflict, Khamenei appealed for collective action among Muslim countries to deter potential wars.
This appeal for unity comes as a counter-narrative to criticisms suggesting Iran has been isolating itself within the region over the past decade. The speech aimed at rallying support reflects concerns over escalating regional tensions potentially leading to broader conflicts.
Khamenei's leadership extends back to significant moments like after the US killed General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. His recent address also paid tribute to Nasrallah and others lost in conflict while highlighting Iran’s retaliatory measures against Israeli provocations — notably two missile attacks this year aimed at sending strong messages following Israeli strikes on Iranian interests.
The ongoing conflict witnessed new developments with an Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon and continued airstrikes around Beirut targeting key figures within Hezbollah. Amidst these tensions, reports emerged of Tehran warning of an “unconventional response” through intermediaries should Israel escalate its offensive efforts targeting Iranian infrastructure.
US President Joe Biden hinted at possible responses from Israel that could target Iran’s crucial oil facilities amid these growing tensions. This complicated web of military actions and retaliations underscores a volatile situation that demands careful navigation from all parties involved to prevent further escalation into a full-blown regional war.
