- By Imran Zafar
- Sat, 28 Sep 2024 04:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday issued a statement calling out the Israeli offensive in Lebanon, which has killed over 700 people in a week since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated. The Iranian leader stated that the Resistance forces in the Middle East will determine the fate of this region with Hezbollah leading the way. He added that Iran and its proxies stand with and support the Lebanese group at the time of Israeli aggression.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's statement came amid reports stating that he has been moved to a secure location within the country under heightened security. The move follows Israel’s claim that it killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike on southern Beirut on Friday, though Hezbollah has not confirmed Nasrallah’s death.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed full support for Hezbollah, declaring that the Axis of Resistance, comprising Iran, Hezbollah and other resistance forces, would ultimately emerge victorious against Israel. ''The terrorist gang ruling the Zionist regime hasn’t learned from its criminal war in Gaza,'' Khamenei said, referring to last year’s conflict.
The terrorist gang ruling Zionist regime hasn’t learned from its 1yr criminal war in Gaza & doesn’t understand the massacre of women, children, & civilians cannot hurt strong structure of Resistance or bring it to its knees. Now they’re testing the same absurd policy in Lebanon.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 28, 2024
Ayatollah Khamenei added that Israel’s policies in Lebanon, including the targeting of civilians, would not weaken the Resistance. Khamenei criticised Israel's actions, calling them short-sighted and indicative of the regime's desperation.
On the one hand, the killing of defenseless civilians in Lebanon, has once again revealed the savage nature of the rabid Zionists to everyone. On the other hand, it has proven how shortsighted and insane the policies of the leaders of the occupying regime are.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 28, 2024
The Iranian leader stated that the Lebanese people remember the time when Israeli soldiers advanced toward Beirut and Hezbollah stopped them, bringing pride to Lebanon. He added that, with the grace and power of God, Lebanon will once again make Israel regret its actions.
The Lebanese haven’t forgotten there was a time when the soldiers of the occupying regime were advancing toward Beirut, & Hezbollah stopped them & made Lebanon proud. Today too, by the grace & power of God, Lebanon will make the transgressing, malicious enemy regret its actions.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 28, 2024
Reportedly, Iran remains in close communication with Hezbollah and other regional proxies, discussing strategic responses to Israel’s airstrikes. Despite Israel’s assertion that Nasrallah has been killed, Hezbollah has yet to acknowledge this claim, keeping tensions high.
The Israeli offensive is part of a broader campaign targeting key figures within the Axis of Resistance, including assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah’s Missile and Rocket unit commander Ibrahim Qubaisi, Drone unit commander Muhammad Hussein Srour, and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr among others.
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Khamenei, who holds the highest authority in Iran as both its religious and political leader, wields significant influence over Shia militias and groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and Palestine. His leadership has shaped Iran’s foreign policy, particularly its support for militant factions across the region.
The death of Haniyeh had already prompted Khamenei to vow retaliation, with Nasrallah’s reported death further escalating tensions. Iran, alongside its regional allies, is expected to take additional steps in response to Israel’s actions.