Iran‘s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sharply condemned Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, deeming them “short-sighted” in light of airstrikes that Israel claims resulted in the death of Hezbollah‘s chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
Khamenei said, “The massacre of the defenceless people in Lebanon once again revealed the ferocity of the Zionist rabid dog to everyone, and proved the short-sighted and stupid policy of the leaders of the usurping regime.”
Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death
This condemnation comes after Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, declaring that he “has joined his fellow martyrs.”
The statement from Hezbollah also vowed to “continue the holy war against the enemy and in support of Palestine.” Nasrallah had led the militant group for over three decades, and his death could significantly alter the dynamics of conflict across the Middle East.
Lebanon casualties and escalating violence
In the aftermath of the strikes, Lebanon’s health ministry reported a preliminary toll of six dead and 91 wounded from the latest bombardments on Beirut’s densely populated southern suburbs. This surge in violence marks the most intense strikes against Hezbollah’s stronghold since the last conflict between Israel and the group in 2006.
The ministry further noted that hundreds have died in Israeli air raids since Monday, making this the deadliest period of violence since Lebanon’s civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 1990.
Khamenei dismisses Israel’s ability to weaken Hezbollah
Khamenei’s statement, while not directly mentioning Nasrallah, asserted that Israel was “too weak to cause significant damage to the solid construction of Hezbollah in Lebanon.” He called upon the “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups across the Middle East, to support Hezbollah in its confrontation with Israel. “Lebanon will make the aggressor and the evil enemy regretful,” he declared.
Khamenei moved to secure location amid heightened security
Amid escalating tensions, Khamenei has reportedly been relocated to a secure location within Iran due to heightened security concerns. Two regional officials briefed by Tehran confirmed that Iran is in ongoing communication with Hezbollah and other allied groups to strategize their next moves following the recent developments regarding Nasrallah’s fate.
Khamenei urges Muslim support for Hezbollah
In a rallying call to Muslims, Khamenei urged support for Hezbollah, saying, “Stand by the people of Lebanon and the proud Hezbollah with whatever means they have and assist them in confronting the … wicked regime (of Israel).” He emphasized that “the fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront,” according to state media reports.