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The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel reached a new peak with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's fiery sermon, delivered in response to Israel's recent attacks in Lebanon and the killing of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In his first public address since the launch of a massive missile barrage on Israel, Khamenei not only defended Iran's actions as 'legal and legitimate' but also issued a rallying call for Muslim nations to unite against their common enemy, Israel.
Khamenei's sermon, delivered in the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, was a powerful demonstration of Iran's resolve and a clear message to Israel that they would not back down. He declared that 'the resistance in the region will not back down even with the killing of its leaders,' reiterating Iran's unwavering commitment to supporting its allies in the region, notably Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. His speech was also a direct response to the growing instability in the region, with Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The timing of Khamenei's sermon, coming just before the first anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel, added weight to his message. His call for unity among Muslim nations from 'Afghanistan to Yemen, from Iran to Gaza and Lebanon' was a strategic attempt to create a united front against Israel, highlighting the shared threat they perceive from Israel's 'psychological,' 'economic,' and 'military' warfare. Khamenei's speech was not only a statement of defiance against Israel but also a call for collective action to counter their perceived aggression and to prevent the escalation of the conflict into a full-blown regional war.
The sermon also addressed the criticisms that Iran has been isolating itself from the region. Khamenei's message of unity was a direct response to these criticisms, and his speech underscored his commitment to working with regional allies to protect their interests and maintain stability. His speech was a clear indication that Iran is not seeking to isolate itself from the region but, on the contrary, is actively seeking to solidify its position as a leader and protector of its allies.
The immediate response to Khamenei's speech was a further escalation of tensions, with Israel launching a barrage of attacks in Beirut, reportedly targeting senior Hezbollah figure Hashem Safieddine. While the fate of Safieddine remains unclear, the attack is a clear indication that Israel is not backing down in its fight against Iran and its allies. With both sides escalating their military activities and expressing unwavering determination, the conflict in the Middle East remains a volatile and unpredictable situation, with the potential for further bloodshed and regional instability.
Source: Khamenei says Iran and its allies will not back down from Israeli attacks