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In a rare public address, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a fiery sermon on Friday, outlining his unwavering support for the Palestinian and Lebanese movements against Israel, while declaring that the Jewish state 'won't last long.' This marked Khamenei's first Friday sermon in five years, underscoring the significance of his message amidst heightened tensions in the region. Delivered to a crowd of tens of thousands at a mosque in Tehran, Khamenei's speech was a clear demonstration of Iran's unwavering commitment to confronting Israel and its perceived allies.
Khamenei's sermon comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recent escalation of violence, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, has ignited a wave of international condemnation. However, Khamenei unequivocally defended Hamas's actions, calling them the 'correct move' and declaring that no international law can justify Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. He further asserted that Israel's existence is a 'fake,' 'unstable,' and 'tool' of American hegemony in the region, aiming to control its resources and lands.
He went on to praise the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, particularly its late leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week. Calling Hezbollah a 'blessed tree' that thrived under Nasrallah's leadership, Khamenei urged Muslims worldwide to support Lebanon's 'jihad' and the fight for the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. He declared that Nasrallah's spirit and path will inspire Iran and its allies to continue resisting Israel, implying that his death would only strengthen their resolve. The sermon was a stark reminder of Iran's unwavering support for these groups and its commitment to a long-term struggle against Israel, a message that resonates far beyond the borders of Iran itself.
Khamenei's speech was a bold and defiant message to Israel and its allies. The timing of his address, coming just three days after Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting Israeli infrastructure and three days before the first anniversary of the Israel-Gaza war, suggests a deliberate effort to escalate tensions and underscore Iran's commitment to the ongoing conflict. His words, delivered with unwavering conviction, are likely to further exacerbate the already volatile situation in the region and raise concerns about the potential for future conflicts.
Source: "Israel Won't Last Long": Iran's Khamenei's First Public Sermon In 5 Years